Context

1. Introduction

A pedigree is a graphic representation that allows us to analyze the inheritance pattern of specific genetic traits throughout several generations of a family. It is a powerful tool used in genetics to study the transmission of a certain trait or genetic disease.

With these charts, it is possible to predict the probability of an individual inheriting a specific trait. In addition, they make it easier to understand how genes are transmitted from parents to children, which is essential for understanding basic genetics and population genetics.

Through pedigrees, it is also possible to study the most diverse genetic diseases, understand their transmission patterns and predict the risks of an individual developing them.

2. Contextualization

The study of pedigrees is crucial for medicine, especially for the areas of genetics and molecular biology. They allow the identification of hereditary diseases, assisting in the determination of treatments and in the prevention of genetic diseases.

In addition, pedigrees are essential tools for conservation biology, as they allow us to study the genetic structure of animal and plant populations, to understand genetic variability and to plan breeding and species conservation programs.

Genetics is one of the cornerstones of modern biology and the pedigree is one of the most powerful tools in our arsenal for understanding the complexity and richness of the natural world. It is an essential skill for any biology student and an incredible tool for any citizen interested in better understanding themselves and the world around them.

3. Resources for further study

Students can use the following resources to learn more about the subject:

1. Book "Genetics Demystified" by Neil F. Jones and William M. Brown
2. YouTube channel "Paul Andersen": Varied content on pedigrees
3. YouTube channel "Khan Academy": Practical examples of pedigrees
4. Website "Genetics Home Reference": Detailed explanations of genetic diseases and pedigrees

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Pedigree: The Genetics Game"

Project Goal

To develop, through group interaction, a playful-educational game to explore the understanding of pedigrees, Mendel's laws and the pattern of genetic inheritance, applied to a fictitious case of a family over three generations.

Detailed Project Description

Students, in groups of 3 to 5, will have to create a board game that will be used to simulate the flow of genes in a family over three generations. Each group will be responsible for creating the family's history, characters, game rules and, finally, representing it on a board. It is important that the game characters clearly express the genetic characteristics chosen by the group and that these characteristics are transmitted according to the genetic laws presented in class.

Materials

• Cardboard for creating the board
• Colored pencils, markers and pens for creating the characters
• Small objects or paper figures to represent the game pieces
• Dice or any other object that can be used to decide the moves in the game

Step-by-step to carry out the activity

1. Each group must choose 1 to 3 genetic traits that will be the focus of the game.
2. The groups must then create a fictitious family with three generations, ensuring that the chosen traits are present in at least some of the characters in each generation.
3. Each group must create a game board that represents the family's family tree.
4. The groups must then create rules for their game. The rules must involve the genetic transmission of the chosen traits between generations. It would be interesting to include genetic events such as mutations or matings with individuals outside the family.
5. With the game complete, the groups should play it once to ensure that everything works as expected.

After completing the game, students should write a report detailing:

Project Deliverables

Report

Introduction

• Contextualization of the theme of pedigrees
• The relevance of pedigrees for genetics and their multiple real-world applications
• The objective of the game created by the group

Development

• The genetic theory behind the traits chosen for the game
• A detailed description of the fictitious family created and the game board
• An explanation of the game rules and how they align with the laws of genetics
• The methodology used in the development of the game
• A discussion of the results observed during the test game

Conclusion

• The lessons learned during the development and gameplay
• Conclusions about the understanding of pedigrees acquired through the game and how it can be an interesting didactic resource for teaching genetics

Bibliography

• The sources used to develop the game, such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

In addition to the report, the groups will have to deliver the game produced, which will be used in future classes to reinforce the concept of pedigrees.