Today we reviewed the quiz from yesterday - most did well. After reviewing the quiz, we extracted DNA from strawberries. It was a simple process to extract the DNA and we learned that strawberries are FULL of DNA. After the lab, we did some review for the test on Monday.

Homework: STUDY for Chapter 12 test that is Monday 12/3

Today we took the quiz on Protein Synthesis - I heard a positive response from everyone that you thought you did well. After the quiz, we went to the library to work on the virtual lab of mutating DNA. There were some issues with completing the lab so I asked that you turn in what you have mutated and then finish the questions on the back of the lab sheet. Please turn in tomorrow.

Homework: finish questions on back side of lab sheet

Today we learned what happens when there is a change to the DNA sequence - a mutation. Mutations are not always bad. We learned the difference between a point mutation and a frameshift mutation. We went to the library to work on a virtual lab but did not get very far. We will continue the lab tomorrow.

A Look Into the Future:
Tomorrow (11/29) - 20 pt quiz on protein synthesis and finish virtual lab
Friday (11/30) - review for test on Monday, extract DNA from strawberries
Monday (12/3) - TEST Chapter 12, begin Chapter 13

We spent time today reviewing protein synthesis. We watched a video which discussed the importance of the genetic code and its role in the formation of proteins. We began work on a protein synthesis booklet.

Homework: Finish Protein Synthesis Booklet and the questions that go along with it

Welcome back!

Today we reviewed DNA replication. We learned about the three different forms of RNA - messenger, transfer and ribosomal. Also, we learned how DNA with RNA form protein. Through the use of board magnets, I demonstrated how transcription and translation work to create protein. We practiced transcription and translation in class with a worksheet.

Homework: finish worksheet on transcription and translation if not done in class

Today we began with review over the history of the discovery of DNA. We learned how DNA coils itself around histone proteins. We also learned about the differences between DNA and RNA.

Homework: finish lab we began in class

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Today we reviewed the Discovery of DNA Timeline and looked more closely at the experiments that lead the scientists to their discovery. After the history of DNA, we took a closer look at exactly what DNA is. It is a double helix strand of nucleotides held together by hydrogen bonds. We created DNA molecules out of various cereal types. Tomorrow we will continue to learn about the structure of DNA and how it replicates itself prior to cell division.

Homework: none

Today we worked on the Karyotype lab and identified genetic disorders of fictitious insects. The lab was handed in at the end of class. When finished with the lab, students began their Timeline of the Discovery of DNA. The timeline must include the year, scientist and their contribution to the discovery of DNA. The scientists were given in class and can be found within the first section of Chapter 12.

Homework: Timeline of the Discovery of DNA (use 12.1 of your text)

Today we took the test on Chapter 11. After the test we began a lab on identifying genetic disorders by reading karyotypes. We will continue the lab next class.

Homework: none

Today we began class with an OGT practice question that dealt with reading a pedigree. We spent the majority of time reviewing for the test tomorrow and going over papers that were handed back. The test tomorrow is over Chapter 11 - complex inheritance patterns, pedigrees, karyotypes and genetic disorders.

Homework: STUDY for test tomorrow!

Today we finished notes on Chapter 11 and we will have a test over chapter 11 next Tuesday 11/13. We spent half of today researching and identifying genetic disorders. Some genetic disorders are recessive, meaning both recessive alleles are needed to have the disorder and others are dominant in which only 1 dominant allele is needed to have the disorder.

Homework: Prepare studying for test next Tuesday!!!

Today we learned how to read and create a Pedigree Chart to trace a genetic disorder through a family. At the beginning of class, we practiced responding to command questions which are typical of short response questions on the OGT test.

Homework: Pedigree Worksheet

Today we reviewed sex-linked traits and then went to the library and conducted a virtual lab.

Homework: Finish virtual lab

Today we continued to look at inheritance that does not follow Mendelian genetics. We learned about sex linked inheritance and polygenic inheritance. After notes, we completed a lab which dealt with single trait inheritance, incomplete dominance and sex linked inheritance. By flipping a coin to determine alleles, we developed a phenotype to create a creature face.

HOMEWORK: Finish Creature Face lab questions

Today we took the quiz on monohybrid and dihybrid crosses that follow Mendelian genetics. After the quiz, we began chapter 11 in which we learned that there are patterns of inheritance that do not follow Mendelian genetics of pure dominance and recessiveness. We were introduced to Incomplete dominance, Co-dominance and multiple allelic inheritance.

Homework: Blood type worksheet and Incomplete dominance worksheet

Today we reviewed Dihybrid crosses and then finished taking notes on section 10.3. After notes, we watched a video that explained why genetic diversity is so important.

Homework: Prepare for a quiz over dihybrid and monohybrid crosses

Today we worked on Dihybrid crosses - when two traits are crossed. For example, flower color and seed shape. We practiced in class and then worked on a Bikini Bottom Dihybrid worksheet.

Homework: Bikini Bottom Dihybrid Cross worksheet - due Friday