To the Bitter End
A Case Study Examining the Genetics of PTC Sensitivity
Author(s)
Department of Life Sciences
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
deborah.overath@tamucc.edu
Abstract
This interrupted case dramatizes the discovery of a Mendelian trait in humans, namely the variation in the ability to taste the chemical phenylthiocarbamide (PTC). By examining data and questions related to this trait, students will draw connections between Mendel's principles of inheritance and variation at the DNA level by learning about the phenotypic differences due to the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a major gene influencing the ability to taste PTC. Students will review Mendelian inheritance, human pedigrees, genetic markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms, and gene mutations. If PTC paper is used and student phenotypes collected, this case can be expanded to include a population genetics component on the Hardy-Weinberg Model. The case was developed for a sophomore-level course in genetics.
Objectives
- Explain how Mendelian traits are inherited and studied in humans.
- Explain the role of DNA sequences and mutations in determining protein structure and function.
- Explain how DNA mutations that compromise protein function may be inherited as a recessive allele.
- Explain the connection between Mendelian and molecular genetics by generalizing the specific facts learned in this case to other examples.
Keywords
Human genetics; DNA variation; Mendelian inheritance; phenylthiocarbamide; PTC; PTC tasting; bitter taste sensitivity; genotype; phenotype; pedigree analysis; single nucleotide polymorphisms; SNP; SNPs; Hardy-Weinberg modelTopical Areas
History of science, Scientific methodEducational Level
High school, Undergraduate lower divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
Analysis (Issues), Discussion, InterruptedLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Genetics / Heredity | Biology (General) | Science (General) |
Date Posted
7/26/2011Teaching Notes
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Videos
The following video(s) are recommended for use in association with this case study.
- Genetics of Bitter Taste Perception
In this 50-minute lecture, Dr. Michael Campbell discusses how humans perceive the taste of the chemical PTC. With Dr. Sarah Tishkoff, he fields questions about the evolution of taste perception and scientific career choices. Produced by HHMI BioInteractive.