MENDELIAN GENETICS AND GENETIC PROBLEMS

Mendelian Genetics and Genetic Problems

Learning Objectives:

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

1. Define the term Genetics.

2. Differentiate between key genetic concepts, [including alleles, genotype, phenotype, dominance, recessiveness, homozygosity, heterozygosity, carrier] by analyzing inheritance pattern.

3. Apply Mendel’s law to predict trait inheritance using Punnett squares for monohybrid crosses.

4. Interpret Punnett squares to determine the probabilities of genetic disease like Thalassemia. 

5. Apply Mendelian inheritance to real-world genetics diseases. 

Case Overview:

In this laboratory exercise, the students begin by reviewing Mendelian genetics with a fruit fly experiment, investigating inheritance of traits such as eye color. They carry forward these principles to Mendel’s pea flower experiments, examining how dominant and recessive alleles affect observable traits. They then transfer this knowledge to a clinical context, exploring how inherited diseases (in this instance, thalassemia) follow similar genetic rules. Throughout each node, the students clarify fundamental definitions—including allele, genotype, phenotype, homozygote, heterozygote, carrier—and practice constructing Punnett squares to predict inheritance patterns.