Drawing a Link Between Genetic Inheritance and Meiosis: A Set of Exercises for the Undergraduate Biology Classroom

Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education
Stephanie Strand, Katie E Boes

Abstract

Alleles are passed from parent to offspring through meiotic cell division and subsequent fusion of gametes. Despite this important link, general biology courses at the high school and college levels frequently discuss meiosis and genetic inheritance as two distinct content areas. As a consequence, students may leave biology courses with a working knowledge of both meiosis and genetic inheritance in isolation rather than understanding them as interconnected topics. In this paper, we describe and provide a series of classroom exercises that prompt students to explore the connection between meiosis and genetic inheritance. Specifically, students draw cells containing chromosomes with labeled alleles to illustrate key steps in the formation of gametes during meiosis and the subsequent fusion of gametes during fertilization. We believe that this approach is appropriate for either group or individual work, during or outside of class time, and we describe potential benefits for students and instructors.

References

Dec 3, 2008·CBE Life Sciences Education·Michelle K SmithJennifer K Knight
Dec 12, 2012·CBE Life Sciences Education·Dina L NewmanL Kate Wright
May 14, 2014·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·Scott FreemanMary Pat Wenderoth
Jun 19, 2015·CBE Life Sciences Education·Sara E BrownellAlison J Crowe
Oct 10, 2018·Experimental Aging Research·Melissa E MeadeMyra A Fernandes

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