Ward's® What Makes a Gene Recessive? Lab Activity

Designed to Link Molecular Genetics with Classical Mendelian Genetics

In this activity, students are asked not only to consider if a gene is recessive or dominant, but why it may be recessive. Pre-lab analysis revolves around the functions of genes relative to protein synthesis and the crucial idea that an expressing gene produces protein. Using paper chromatography, the different eye pigments are separated and allow students to discover which eye color is dominant by the presence or absence of different pigments. The kit comes with enough materials for 15 setups, a teacher’s guide, and student copymaster. Note: Includes perishable materials. Please specify delivery date.

Commonly called the jewel wasp, Nasonia are small wasps that do not sting or bite. You can use Nasonia to teach topics covering:
• Scientific Method and Techniques
• Genetics
• Behavior
• Selective Advantage
• Biotechnology
Nasonia are better and more interesting study subjects for several reasons:
• Mutants are observable without dissecting scopes
• They are easily sexed in either the pupal (thus ensuring virgin females) or adult stage
• They tend not to fly like Drosophila
• You can arrest their life cycle using refrigeration to work around your class schedule
• Haploid males make all crosses appear sex-linked
• They exhibit ritualistic courtship and mating behaviors
• They have a parasitic life cycle
• They are easy to culture and maintain
You can study the world of Nasonia through the Nasonia Project, a comprehensive set of inquiry-based lab activities available only from WARD’S.