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3.7 perform a first-hand investigation to model linkage
perform a first-hand investigation to model linkage
- To perform the investigation you need to decide how to model linkage. It will probably be most effective if you model chromosomes that are going through meiosis to produce gametes (egg or sperm). You may decide to use material such as pipe cleaners, strips of coloured cardboard or wool to represent the chromosomes that carry the genes that are linked. Decide what material to use, what colours should be used, how you will join the ‘chromosomes’ at the centromere and what material to use to represent the matching genes or alleles on the chromosomes.
- You could have one group model linkage and another group modelling meiotic division when there is only one gene on the chromosome that is being considered. In this case you wouldn’t model crossing over but you might decide to do so with the linked genes.
- Once you have built your models, including the alleles, actually carry out the processes that occur. Drawing labelled diagrams at various stages will help cement the process in your memory. Decide how many drawings you want to do.
- When you have completed the processes and the labelled drawings, each group could demonstrate what they have done to the rest of the class and then could answer questions.
- Were there any problems with your model? If so what could you do to improve it so the other students will understand it better?