Genetics on a maize cob: A teaching tool for schools

Abstract

Genetics occupies central position in biology and directly connects with all its branches. In fact, ‘life’ and ‘non-life’ meet each other in viruses and genes. Technologies emanating from genetics have had immense impact in various areas such as healthcare, agriculture, environment etc. Recent developments in stem cell biology and gene editing technologies not only promise cures for several ailments which were hitherto unthinkable but also raise concerns of irreparable harm that can result from unbridled use of these technologies. Therefore, basic understanding of genetics is necessary for all sections of society. Hence, genetics is now introduced at the school level. However, at least in the Indian context, genetics teaching in classrooms relies largely on blackboard or chart-based explanations. Unlike physics, chemistry and to some extent basic botany and zoology where models or live/preserved specimens are available to demonstrate fundamental concepts under classroom conditions, there is a dearth of material resources for teaching genetics. Maize has a long history of basic and applied genetics where a large number of well-characterized mutant stocks are available. To make learning experience interesting and engaging, we have developed maize genetic resources for use under classroom conditions. In particular, maize cob with seeds segregating for various clearly identifiable phenotypes presents unique opportunity to demonstrate basic genetic principles including statistical and population genetic concepts. In this article we describe these resources and explain how they can be used to demonstrate different concepts.