Skip to main content
HHMI BioInteractive
  • Español
  • Site Search
  • Log In/Create Account
  • BioInteractive Resources
  • Planning Tools
  • Professional Development
  • About Us

Identifying Autism Genes by Tracking Gene Mutations

Image from the activity

Topic

  • Genetics
  • Genomics
  • Genetic Disease
  • Math & Computational Skills
  • Graph Interpretation

Resource Type

  • Activities
  • Data Points

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Saved By
11 Users
Share This

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.

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. 

To access this article, set up a free AAAS account.

Terms of Use

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

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

PDF files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 03.29.16
Date Updated 03.25.16

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

Explore Related Content

Other Related Resources

Showing of
Image from the film of a man looking into an eyesight device
Scientists at Work
The Search for a Mutated Gene
Image from the activity
Data Points
Efficacy of a Medication for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
An icon of a world map with many colored pie charts.
Data Points
Skin Color and Human Evolution
Image from the activity
Data Points
Origin of a Gene Mutation Causing Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Image from the activity
Data Points
Cell Division and Cancer Risk
Image from the interactive
Click & Learn
Using DNA to Trace Human Migration
Overhead photo of researchers taking measurements of an anesthetized elephant
Scientists at Work
The Genetics of Tusklessness in Elephants
Photo of Charles Sawyers from the video
Clips
DNA Sequence Technology Improves Cancer Treatment
Image from the interactive showing two brain sections
Click & Learn
Alzheimer’s Disease: Piecing Together the Evidence
Computer illustration of a pedigree
Lessons
Analyzing Pedigrees
HHMI BioInteractive
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Newsletter Signup
  • HHMI.org
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility