Those Old Kentucky Blues
An Interrupted Case Study
Author(s)
Department of Biology & Zoology
The University of British Columbia
cleander@interchange.ubc.ca
Abstract
This interrupted case study begins with the construction of a pedigree following an initial encounter with a clan of “blue people.” After constructing a pedigree, students decide whether the condition (methemoglobinemia) is a heritable trait. Students are then exposed to a different perspective of this condition and have to re-evaluate the inheritance pattern. This case study was written for a first year honors course in general biology. It could be modified for most general science majors’ biology, genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology courses.
Objectives
- Hypothesis generation.
- Pedigree construction and analysis.
- Evaluation of inheritance patterns.
- Reconciliation of changing inheritance patterns, depending on perspective.
Keywords
Mendelian inheritance patterns; phenotype; incomplete dominance; pedigree; skin color; enzyme; hemoglobin; methemoglobinemia; Kentucky; Appalachian MountainsTopical Areas
Scientific methodEducational Level
High school, Undergraduate lower divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
InterruptedLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Biology (General) | Biochemistry | Cell Biology | Genetics / Heredity |
Date Posted
3/4/2008Teaching Notes
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