i4 Initiative Life’s Common Thread: Genetics
This program provides a basic understanding of genetics, techniques for analyzing DNA, and research applications that illustrate how genetics is used to understand health and in tracking ancestry. This storyline is actually two interconnected research projects, Mutant Mice and Discovering Genetic Relationships. Visitors to the Science Center will have the opportunity to analyze DNA and explore research applications that illustrate how genetics are being used to understand health and physical traits in both animals and humans.
Mutant Mice
Abstract
CCSU undergraduates mentored area high school students on a project that aimed to determine the precise chromosomal location of a mutation that causes defective hair development in mammals. To do this they analyzed DNA isolated from members of a large family of mice that display either straight or curly whiskers.
Read the complete storyline here.
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i4 Initiative Podcast
Title: Locating a Genetic Mutation Causing Frizzy Hair in Mice
Abstract: CCSU undergraduates are mentoring area high school students on a project that aims to determine the precise chromosomal location of a mutation that causes defective hair development in mammals. We talk with CCSU Professor Thomas King to hear how DNA testing of mice will advance our general understanding of how genes control development processes in mammals.
Listen to Locating a Genetic Mutation Causing Frizzy Hair in Mice (MP3)
Scientist Bio
Thomas King is professor of Biomolecular Sciences at Central
Connecticut State University.
Gallery Science Programs
Life’s Common Thread
Extract and analyze DNA through gel electrophoresis. See how genetics is used to understand health and physical traits to determine family ancestry. Supports GLE 8.2 Heredity and Evolution (Grades 7 to 9)
NOTE: Programs take place in our Planet Earth and River of Life Galleries lead by our Gallery Scientists. Check with Visitor Services upon arrival for a detailed schedule of day’s activities and demonstrations as program times vary daily.
Discovering Genetic Relationships
Abstract
The universality of the genetic codes means that we have the power to investigate ancient and recent relationships using the identical science and tolls regardless of species.
This storyline is the collaboration between a documentary filmmaker researching family identity and a conservation geneticist who studies wild bird populations.
Read the complete storyline here.
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i4 Initiative Podcast
Title: Life’s Common Threads: Discovering Genetic Relationships
Abstract: We talk with film and video producer Denise Matthews about using the modern tools of genetics to research her family identity and what it could mean for our future.
Listen to Life’s Common Threads: Discovering Genetic Relationships (MP3)
Scientist Bio
Patricia Szczys is an assistant professor of
conservation biology and population genetics at
Eastern Connecticut State University.
Denise Matthews is an associate professor of communications
at Eastern Connecticut State University.
Gallery Science Programs
View a trailer of Denise Matthew's documentary: “I Used to Be a Greek DNA.”