This assignment is formatted as a two-question. In Question 1 you are asked to select and read about a particular genetic condition, then answer 4 questions about it. In Question 2 you will do the same for a particular human trait.
Part one:
Navigate to this list of genetic conditions:
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/ (Links to an external site.)
The site contains link to over 1300 genetic conditions organized alphabetically–some common, some rare. Choose
ONE
genetic condition to read about. Then answer the following questions about it. You do not need to rewrite the questions, but please number your answers.
NOTE–Before choosing a condition, read about it and make sure you understand and can explain in your own words how it affects the body.
1. What is the name of the disease you selected?
2. Describe
in your own words
how the body is affected by this disease. You are welcome to use terms and language contained in the description, but do not simply copy and paste text from the article.
3. Is the condition associated with a single gene or multiple genes? How commonly does it occur? Are particular sexes or ethnic groups affected more commonly? Does it onset at a particular age?
4. If the condition is associated with a specific gene or genes, summarize the pattern of inheritance–dominant/recessive/X-linked, etc. Or if the condition relates to chromosomal variation, specify the abnormality.
Part two:
Navigate to this webpage Genetics and Human Traits:
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/ (Links to an external site.)
Choose
ONE
of the 13 traits listed. Examples include fingerprints, eye color, intelligence, etc. Click on the link to read about your selected trait. Then answer the following questions. You do not need to rewrite the questions, but please number your answers.
1. What trait did you select?
2. Before reading the article, what were your previous beliefs about the trait you chose? Did you believe it was totally determined by genetics, partially by genetics, or not determined by genetics?
3. According to the article, what is the role of single or multiple genes in determining the trait? If genetics plays a role, is a single gene or multiple genes responsible? Summarize what is known about these genes.
4. If factors other than genes help determine the expression of the trait, what are those factors?
