Download Pedigree Analysis Project

Pedigree Analysis Project
Overview
This project will be a combination of research on how eye color is inherited and the analysis
your family pedigree/tree for three human physical traits. The traits are the hairline shape
(widow’s peak or straight), earlobe attachment (attached or detached), and eye color.
You will present your findings in poster form and include a pedigree of at least 3 generations
and 15 family members for each trait. Each pedigree will include the phenotype and genotype
of each person as accurately as can be determined. In addition, the poster will summarize your
research on how eye color is inherited.
Requirements (general)
1. You must create 3 copies (one for each trait) of your family tree/pedigree that includes
at least 3 generations and 15 family members.
2. You must gather data on the phenotypes of your 15 family members for 3 traits (hairline
shape, earlobe attachment, and eye color)
3. You must research how eye color is inherited including the chromosomes, genes, and
alleles involved. You must include information about pigmentation and melanin
production. And you must research a genetic eye condition, its causes, and effects.
4. You must create a Poster Board to display your 3 pedigrees and summarize your
research on how eye color is inherited. The research summary should be a mixture of
drawn diagrams and written explanations. All correct credit and bibliographic
information is required. Maximum size is 32 X 40 inches.
5. Additional credit will be given for the following if all required portions are present:
a. Completing all 3 pedigrees for 3 or more generations and/or at least 20
individuals.
b. Completing a pedigree for a 4th (different) trait that includes 3 generations and
15 individuals.
6. The Poster Board is due on Wednesday, January 15, 2014.
A student can earn 25 points for this project and will be entered in the
Assessments/Tests grade category. NO late projects will be accepted.
Requirements (detailed – use in combination with the Rubric)
The inheritance of human traits can be understood at a middle school level, but
depending on the trait, it can quickly deepen in complexity to that of Ph.D. grad student.
Below is an outline of how far we expect you to dig. Keep in mind you are always
welcome to take things further.
Poster Sections:
1. Eye Color inheritance
a. Explain how eye color is inherited. Include the following things in your
explanation: A general explanation of how any trait is inherited, what genes are
involved in eye color inheritance and which chromosomes the genes are on.
Which alleles are involved in eye color inheritance and which are dominant and
which are recessive. Your explanation should be a combination of drawings with
written/typed explanations of how eye color is inherited.
2. Pigmentation
a. A written explanation of the role of melanin and how it produces eye colors
specified by the genes. (1-2 paragraphs)
b. A written explanation of iris development, structure (layers), and function
related to pigment deposition and how it causes different eye colors. (1-2
paragraphs)
3. Case study of a genetic eye condition
a. A written explanation of what the condition is, what the symptoms are, what
causes the condition, and how is it treated. (1-2 paragraphs)
4. 3 identical pedigrees with at least 3 generations and 15 individuals
a. One titled pedigree for each trait being investigated: hairline shape, earlobe
attachment, and eye color.
b. Each symbol in pedigrees is labeled with the person’s name
c. The correct symbols are used for each person (square or circle) and relationship
lines are correct (marriage or offspring)
d. Each pedigree contains a key that explains the letters used to represent each
form of the trait (alleles)
e. Each symbol is correctly labeled with the person’s genotype as accurately as can
be determined, and recessive individuals are shaded in.
f. Lines are straight, writing and symbols are neat, and spacing is consistent
Bibliography:
1. Attached to back of poster
2. Follows MLA style (examples on page R-3 of planners. Include hanging indents
which the planners leave off).
3. Sources cited in paragraphs