Hands-on Activities That Relate Mendelian Genetics to Cell Division

Abstract

What biology teacher hasn't engaged his or her students in the re-enactment of cell division with chromosomes contructed of materials ranging from pipe cleaners to peanuts? Students diligently work through the phases, putting to memory the sequence of events of each stage. Hopefully, they emerge from the activity with insight into differences and similarities between mitosis and meiosis. However, the greater significance of meiosis as the mechanism underlying Mendel's laws of segregation and independent assortment is rarely taught (Moll & Allen 1987). Teachers may make reference back to meiosis with the discussion of linked genes, but without a review of the process, it is likely to be a faded recollection. Our objective was to design handson activities that would connect Mendelian laws with the physical process of cell division. The Meiosis/Mitosis Game concentrates on separation of genetic material during cell division and sexual fusion. This is followed by the Genetics Game, where Mendelian genetics is tied to the process of meiosis. Our instruments are inexpensive paper chromosomes that carry commonly taught genes (see Figures 1 to 3) on their surface. Though designed for college biology courses, they have been used without alteration by high school teachers.