Analyzing Pedigrees

Resource Type
Description
A newer version of this resource is available at: https://www.biointeractive.org/classroom-resources/analyzing-pedigrees-0
In this activity, students interpret several pedigrees of autosomal dominant and recessive conditions and consider the benefits and limitations of genetic testing.
Students answer multiple-choice questions about these pedigrees and explain their reasoning. For some questions, the goal is not to get the “right” answer but rather to discuss how pedigrees can be used to make decisions about one’s health. Students can answer questions as a class, in small groups or individually.
You can share the pedigree images via the “Student Handout” or “Slide Deck” presentation. The “Educator Materials” provides suggestions for implementing the activity and guiding discussion. A separate “Additional Background” document provides more information about pedigree symbols and other notations.
The “Resource Google Folder” link directs to a Google Drive folder of resource documents in the Google Docs format. Not all downloadable documents for the resource may be available in this format. The Google Drive folder is set as “View Only”; to save a copy of a document in this folder to your Google Drive, open that document, then select File → “Make a copy.” These documents can be copied, modified, and distributed online following the Terms of Use listed in the “Details” section below, including crediting BioInteractive.
Student Learning Targets
- Interpret data in pedigrees of monogenic autosomal traits.
- Apply the information in a pedigree to predict health outcomes and make decisions about genetic testing.
- Consider the potential benefits and limitations of genetic testing for inherited diseases.
Estimated Time
Key Terms
BRCA1, breast cancer, carrier, dominant, genetic counseling, heterozygous, homozygous, recessive, spinocerebellar ataxia 1 (SCA1), thalassemia, variant
Primary Literature
Bennett, Robin L., Kathryn Steinhaus French, Robert G. Resta, and Jehannine Austin. 2022. “Practice resource‐focused revision: Standardized pedigree nomenclature update centered on sex and gender inclusivity: A practice resource of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.” Journal of Genetic Counseling 31, 6: 1238–1248. https://doi.org/10.1002/jgc4.1621.
Terms of Use
Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.
Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)
Version History
NGSS (2013)
HS-LS3-2, HS-LS3-3; SEP2, SEP6
AP Biology (2019)
IST-1.I, IST-4.A; SP1, SP2
IB Biology (2016)
3.4, 10.2
Common Core (2010)
ELA.RST.9–12.7, ELA.WHST.9–12.1
Vision and Change (2009)
CC3; DP2, DP6
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