Use the Gale Virtual Reference Library to investigate possible disorders. Search with as few words as possible. There is no password needed at home. The best source for this project is the Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders. Use this Doc to take notes (optional).
Also, use your web searching skills to find information using Google. Valid websites include those designed for patients and families with the disorder, as well as educational, and government sponsored websites. If you are unsure, please check with your teacher.
A genetic disorder is a disease caused by a different form of a gene (variation) or an alteration of a gene (mutation). Some disorders occur randomly or because of an environmental exposure such as cigarette smoke. Other genetic disorders are inherited.
A mutated gene may be passed down through a family and each generation of children can inherit the gene that causes the disease. Still other genetic disorders are due to problems with the number of packages of genes called chromosomes. Genetic testing can be done to determine if your baby might be affected.
A full Google Doc of the assignment is available here. Note: you must be logged into your Google Drive for Monty Tech to access.
A template for creating the Google Slides is available here.
Here is a list of some common genetic disorders:
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Alzheimer’s Disease
Breast Cancer Colon Cancer
Cri Du Chat Syndrome Cystic Fibrosis
Down Syndrome Fragile X Syndrome
Hemophilia Huntington’s Disease
Klinefelter Syndrome Krabbe Disease
Marfan Syndrome Parkinson Disease
Phenylketonuria (PKU) Progeria
Sickle Cell Disease Skin Cancer
Tay-Sachs Trisomy (8, 13, or 18)
Turner's Syndrome Wilson Disease
The following should be answered during the course of your research. Use this to structure your Google Slides:
Title page – Name of disorder, your full name and class section (5 pts)
Description – Overview of the disorder. Describe / explain what it is. How many people are affected by it (incidence)? Interesting facts! (25 pts)
Cause – Identify the specific cause (the chromosome, gene, and protein). Also, what environmental factors may contribute or trigger this disorder? (20 pts)
Diagnosis / symptoms – How do you know you have it? What are the signs? (10 pts)
Prevention / Treatment / Cure – Can it be prevented? If so, how can we avoid it? Any treatment available? Is there a known cure? (10 pts)
Sources – Identify multiple sources of information (database citations, links, etc). (10 pts)
Note: You will also be assessed on the quality (depth of content, creativity, and professionalism) of your presentation. This will be worth 20 points!
