Don't Be a Square
Punnett squares are used to predict trait inheiritance.Copyright 2010 Rachel Howser, University of Houston
After watching video clips from the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire movie, students explore the use of Punnett squares to predict genetic trait inheritance. The objective of this lesson is to articulate concepts related to genetics through direct immersive interaction based on the theme, The Science Behind Harry Potter. Students' interest is piqued by the use of popular culture in the classroom.
Engineers must understand trait inheritance for the genetics research that applies to medical diagnoses and treatment, crop modification, cloning and stem cell research. For example, engineers apply nanotechnology for genetics by making use of DNA, a nucleic acid that carries the genetic information in a cell, to medical diagnosis. They combine nanosized probes with DNA sequences or antibodies to form a nanosystem that detects specific DNA sequences in the body as a way to detect genetic diseases long before they become problematic. Similar to drug delivery, gene therapy could be implemented through nanocapsules.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Describe a trait and give examples.
- Understand the relationship between alleles and heterozygous and homozygous traits.
- Create a 2 x 2 Punnett square and predict traits passed from parents to children.
- Describe nanotechnology research and engineering in genetics.