Subtopic: Human Genetics

Build a Family Tree
Both sexes can use this interactive feature that lets you use DNA information from the Y chromosome to complete a male family tree. From the NOVA: "Lost Tribes of Israel" Web site.

The Common Genetic Code
Paul Nurse describes his research that showed that humans share some genes with organisms as different from us as simple brewer's yeast. Footage from Secret of Life: "Immortal Thread."

Dab of DNA Helps Keep Counterfeiters at Bay
Find out in this USA Today article how DNA sequences can vouch for a souvenir's authenticity.

DNA Detective
In this video from QUEST, learn about the issues of ethics and responsibility that are associated with genetic testing.

DNA Fingerprint Photos
These photographs supplied by Genelex Corporation depict actual DNA fingerprints and show the types of information that can be gleaned from them.

DNA Makes History
Read how DNA was used to solve the mystery of the Romanov family's execution. From Human Genetics: Concepts and Applications by Ricki Lewis.

DNA Workshop
How does DNA perform those all-important functions of replication and protein synthesis? This interactive feature from the A Science Odyssey Web site will help you explore and understand the secrets of DNA.

Ethical Issues in the Human Genome Project
Students work in teams to analyze a case study that raises arguments for and against patenting genetic code. They explore the implications of DNA databases, genetic screening and gene modification.

The Expression of Genetic Information
In this media-rich lesson, students explore the preservation and expression of genetic information within the cell. They analyze a short DNA sequence, translate an RNA sequence, and relate a sequence difference to a particular trait.

Finding Cures Is Hard
This video segment from NOVA: "Cracking the Code of Life" explains the difficulty of curing genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis.

Forensic DNA Analysis
This video segment from NOVA: "The Killer's Trail" investigates the potential for DNA evidence to solve murder cases, even those from the distant past.

Genetic Art
Take a peek at the artistic side of science in this virtual exhibit, featuring work by Eva Sutton, Alexis Rockman and Sidney Harris.

Geneticist Pardis Sabeti
In this video profile adapted from NOVA scienceNOW, learn about geneticist and rock musician Pardis Sabeti, whose innovative insights into natural selection demonstrated how beneficial mutations spread quickly through a population.

Genetics Case Studies
Wrestle with ethical issues concerning genetic rights and practices from the NOVA: "Cracking the Code of Life" Web site.

Genetic Testing
Students view case studies about genetic diseases. They learn about gene testing, family disease pedigrees, environment vs. genetics, and possible treatments.

Genetic Variation
This video segment from NOVA: "Cracking the Code of Life" explores the genetic similarities and differences among organisms.

HIV Immunity
Although repeatedly exposed to HIV, Steve Crohn's blood cells were never infected. Dr. David Ho investigates in this video segment from NOVA: "Surviving AIDS."

How DNA Evidence Works
In this article by An Meeker-O'Connell, discover how DNA evidence is processed before it goes to court.

How to Conquer a Genetic Disease
In Blazing a Genetic Trail, by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, follow this three-step approach to treating genetic diseases.

Human Genome Project
This video segment from NOVA: "Cracking the Code of Life" looks at the meaning and significance of the effort to decode the human genome.

Inheritance of Genetic Disorders
Students learn how mutations in a gene can cause disease by simulating inheritance patterns and by researching disorders and presenting their findings.

Mendel's Laws of Genetic Inheritance
This interactive activity, adapted from the Dolan DNA Learning Center, uses Punnett squares to illustrate Mendel's laws of inheritance and how a particular gene combination results in a 3-to-1 ratio of dominant-to-recessive traits.

Mouse Party
In this interactive activity from The University of Utah, examine the molecular mechanisms that affect the brains of mice on drugs. Learn how different drugs create different responses in the brain and alter the natural state of a mouse.

Nature vs. Nurture Revisited
Which dictates our existence -- our genetic makeup or the environment we grow up in? Kevin Davies offers an update on this long-standing debate, from the NOVA: "Cracking the Code of Life" Web site.

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
This video segment from NOVA: "18 Ways to Make a Baby" describes a technique used to determine the health of a developing embryo.

RNAi Explained
Using scientific animations and illustrated metaphors, this interactive activity from NOVA scienceNOW explains RNAi and how it works.

The Role of Genetics in Obesity
In this video segment from NOVA scienceNOW, meet researchers who are studying obesity and trying to understand the role that hormones and genetics can play in regulating appetite.

The Sequencing Race Begins
This video segment from NOVA: "Cracking the Code of Life" looks at one of the key players in the race to decode the human genome.

Some Genes Are Dominant
This interactive activity, adapted from the Dolan DNA Learning Center, illustrates how Gregor Mendel used pure-bred yellow and green peas to show that some genes are dominant and others are recessive.

Three Ways to Check a Fetus's Chromosomes
This figure from Human Genetics: Concepts and Applications by Ricki Lewis identifies techniques used to collect cells from fetuses for genetic testing.

Who Owns the Genome?
This video segment from NOVA: "Cracking the Code of Life" examines the social and ethical implications of genome research.