Big Idea: Examine the process of and influences on the transfer of genetic

information and the impact of that understanding on society past and present

Punnet Squares and Genetic Disorders

Indicators:
- Identify examples of dominant and recessive traits in humans and other living
things.
-Provide examples of genetic conditions whose causes and cures are not understood
according to current scientific and technological knowledge (e.g., some causes of
male infertility, cystic fibrosis, Downs syndrome, and muscular dystrophy)
- Identify questions to investigate related to genetics

You and your group are going to read the following information and answer
the questions and punnet square problem below. Use this sheet for rough
work. Work collaboratively. Show the good copy of your final thoughts to
the questions and Punnet square on the purple paper:
Introduction:
Phenylketonuria
Phenylketonuria (commonly known as PKU) is an inherited disorder that
increases the levels of a substance called phenylalanine in the blood.
Phenylalanine is a building block of proteins (an amino acid) that is obtained
through the diet. It is found in all proteins and in some artificial sweeteners.
If PKU is not treated, phenylalanine can build up to harmful levels in the
body, causing intellectual disability and other serious health problems

The signs and symptoms of PKU vary from mild to severe. The most severe
form of this disorder is known as classic PKU. Infants with classic PKU appear
normal until they are a few months old. Without treatment, these children
develop permanent intellectual disability. Seizures, delayed development,
behavioral problems, and psychiatric disorders are also common. Untreated
individuals may have a musty or mouse-like odor as a side effect of excess
phenylalanine in the body. Children with classic PKU tend to have lighter skin
and hair than unaffected family members and are also likely to have skin
disorders such as eczema

This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern

Big Idea: Examine the process of and influences on the transfer of genetic
information and the impact of that understanding on society past and present

What are 3 important things you learned in the reading above?

What are questions you have about what you just read? (3-5
questions)

Heredity Punnet Square Problem:

Jill and Bob have recently found out that they are going to have a baby. Jill
has Phenylketonuria and her and Bob are wondering if there is a possibility
that their new child could be born with the genetic disorder as well.
Following all of the proper steps (key, possible parent alleles, and possible
punnet squares) create punnet squares to help Jill and Bob understand the
probability of their new child being born with PKU.

Discussion Questions:

1. Based on what you found out, how could you answer the question from
Jill and Bob Will our child be born with PKU? Is it possible for them
to find out for sure?

2. Why would someone want to know the chances of passing on a genetic

disorder to their child?

Big Idea: Examine the process of and influences on the transfer of genetic
information and the impact of that understanding on society past and present

3. Why is it important to learn about genetic disorders?