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Identifying Autism Genes by Tracking Gene Mutations

Topic
  • Genetics
  • Genomics
  • Genetic Disease
  • Science Practices
  • Graph Interpretation
Resource Type
  • Activities
  • Data Points
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Favorited By
8 Users
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Description

This activity guides the analysis of a published scientific figure from a study that used SNP genotyping to identify genes involved in autism.

In this study, scientists collected data from a family with an autistic son to locate genes that may contribute to autism. The scientists used a genotyping technique called homozygosity mapping to find mutations associated with recessive genetic disorders. The figure shows a pedigree for the family (left) and SNP genotyping results for each family member on chromosome 3 (right). Red and blue vertical stripes indicate homozygous SNPs, yellow stripes represent heterozygous SNPs, and white gaps represent genetic deletions. The “Educator Materials” document includes a captioned figure, background information, graph interpretation, and discussion questions. The “Student Handout” includes a captioned figure and background information.

Student Learning Targets
  • Analyze and interpret data from a scientific figure. 
  • Describe how genotyping techniques can be used to identify genes associated with certain traits.
Details
Estimated Time
Within one 50-minute class period.
Key Terms

gene deletion, gene map, heterozygosity, homozygosity, microarray, pedigree chart, recessive trait, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), SNP genotyping

Primary Literature

Morrow, Eric M., Seung-Yun Yoo, Steven W. Flavell, Tae-Kyung Kim, Yingxi Lin, Robert Sean Hill, Nahit M. Mukaddes, et al. “Identifying Autism Loci and Genes by Tracing Recent Shared Ancestry.” Science 321, 5886 (2008): 218–223. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1157657. 

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Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level

The documents for this resource meet accessibility standards in accordance with the final rule for Section 508 of the National Rehabilitation Act.
Version History
Date Published 03.29.16
Date Updated 03.25.16
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS3-1; SEP2, SEP4, SEP5

AP Biology (2019)

IST-1.I, IST-2.E, SYI-3.C; SP1, SP2

IB Biology (2016)

3.1, 3.4

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9-12.7
Math.S-ID.3, Math.S-IC.1; MP2, MP5

Vision and Change (2009)

CC3; DP2, DP3

Materials
Image (JPG) 156 KB
Educator Materials (PDF) 1 MB
Student Handout (PDF) 793 KB

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