BIOSTATISTICS: INTRODUCTION TO PROBABILITIES

Karyotyping and Genetic Probabilities             

Learning Objectives:

After the completion of the Laboratory Activity students should be able to:

1. Describe how karyotyping detects chromosomal abnormalities and its role in identifying phenotypic traits. 

2. Understand and apply the multiplication rule and addition rule in predicting genetic inheritance patterns.

3. Apply the binomial rule to predict probabilities of different genotypes across multiple offspring. 

4. Evaluate the role of probability in explaining Mendelian and chromosomal inheritance into clinical or research settings.  

Case Overview: 

In this activity, students are introduced to a family with a suspected chromosomal abnormality and another family with a history of cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disease. Through branching decisions, they will first explore how karyotyping can detect large-scale chromosome issues, illustrated by confirming Down’s Syndrome via an extra copy of chromosome 21. Then, they will transition to using Mendelian probability tools for CF, which hinges on smaller-scale DNA changes traditionally invisible to karyotyping.

Note: To help you complete this laboratory first complete the laboratory on Mendelian Genetics and Genetic problems.