Use DNA Bands to Find an Animal's Parents

Start with the gene to protein sheet and the pedigree, then crosses. Use the DNA band sheets as application cases once students understand how gel electrophoresis sorts DNA.

Match a crane chick's DNA bands to its mother and father among six adults at a fictional zoo. The directions on the page read: Read the case and the rule. Find the mother and father whose bands together match every chick band. Then write M or F in each box to show which parent gave that band. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 7th grade living things, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

A gene is one stretch of DNA that holds the instructions for one protein. A chromosome is a long molecule of DNA that can hold hundreds or thousands of genes.

A band is a group of DNA pieces of the same length on a gel. Samples with matching bands carry matching pieces of DNA.

A substitution, insertion or deletion changes the letters of mRNA, which a cell reads three at a time. The sheet shows when the protein changes and when it does not.

A mixed offspring is a blend between the parents, such as pink snapdragons from red and white parents.