Goal:  The goals of this project are to apply the concepts and techniques of classical genetics & molecular biology to an authentic scenario to make clear the impact of genetics on human decision making.

Introductory Procedures:
1.  Choose a project partner.
2.  Choose a case of a human genetic disease to research, analyze and present to the class.
3.  Download and install the CaseIt Electrophoresis software on your home computers from (http://www.uwrf.edu/caseit/caseit.html).  The software will be available at school as well.  Be careful to follow the IMPORTANTPLEASEREAD directions file provided when downloading the software.
4.  Run the CaseIt Tutorial to familiarize yourself with the software.

Background Research
1.  Do research on specific human genetic disease to determine a)  the symptoms and effects of the disease on a person, b)  its frequency in the general population, c)  and its genetic basis (dominance? biochemistry?).

Software Analysis
1.  Read the directions carefully for the case as to which DNA samples, enzymes and probes you must use.
2.  Expect to try it a few times before everything works smoothly.
3.  The general procedures for analyzing the DNA samples are as follows:
    a.  Pull up the DNA sequences of each person in the family case.
    b.  Pull up the specific restriction enzyme to find the genetic markers in their DNA samples.
        (Be sure to record the enzyme name & recognition sequence for your presentation)
    c.  Do an enzymatic digest to cut each persons DNA with the restriction enzyme.
    d.  Load the DNA samples into a gel for separation by electrophoresis.
    e.  Run the gel electrophoresis.
    f.  Stain and destain the gel to show the location of DNA fragment bands.
        (Be sure to save a picture of the initial gel banding pattern to paste into your presentation.)
    *g.  Some cases will require you to simulate the use of a radioactive probe (Southern Blotting) to locate the fragments of
        interest.  Pull up the probe as directed. (Be sure to save the probe sequence to be pasted into your presentation.)
    *h.  Probe the gel to focus on the specific bands of interest.
        (Be sure to save the final banding pattern to paste into your presentation.)

Case Analysis
1.  Use the information from the case history to analyze the final DNA patterns to determine their significance to the family in the case.  Be sure to ask the instructor for help deciphering the bands after arriving at your own initial interpretations.
2.  Answer the questions at the bottom of the case history from your perspective, and prepare to share these with the class in your presentation.

Presentations
1.  Prepare a multimedia presentation using MSOffice or Web Pages to present your findings in front of class.  Include in your presentation the following:
    a.  Briefly describe your findings of background research as described above.
    b.  The family case history as provided to you.
    c.  The procedure used to analyze the DNA samples:  ID persons, restriction enzyme used, probes if necessary.
    d.  Show the banding patterns seen in the analysis.
    e.  Interpret the banding patterns in simple terms for all to understand.  Provide your logic stepwise and clearly.
    f.  Raise and answer the questions of social implications briefly by expressing your opinion and reasons.