Discovering the Genome
Your teacher will split the class into groups. Each group will be assigned a genetic disorder listed below. Visit the links listed under your group’s disorder and collect information by answering the questions listed below. Your teacher will give directions on how you will present your information to the class.
a) Which chromosome(s) are modified in this disorder? Give a brief description of how the genome of individuals with this disorder is different from the genomes of people who do not have this disorder.
b) What are the phenotypes (observable traits) of this disorder?
Genetic Disorders
- Cri du chat (“Cry of the cat”) Syndrome
- Down Syndrome
- Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18)
- Klinefelter Syndrome
- Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13)
- Philadelphia Chromosome
- Turner Syndrome
Additional Resources
Overview of common genetic disorders
Karyotypes of the above disorders (scroll to the bottom of the page)