Discusses genetics and heredity and their relation to human behavior. (JRH)

Presents a laboratory exercise that demonstrates the sensitivity of the Polymerase Chain Reaction as well as its potential application to forensic analysis during a criminal investigation. Can also be used to introduce, review, and integrate population and molecular genetics topics such as genotypes, multiple alleles, allelic and genotypic…

Presents a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratory exercise that can be performed by introductory biology students in 1 45- to 55-minute class period. Includes a general description of the polymerase chain reaction, materials needed, procedure, and details of interest to teachers. (JRH)

Presents an activity to simulate electrophoresis using everyday items. Uses adding machine paper to construct a set of DNA fingerprints that can be used to solve crime cases designed by students in any biology class. (JRH)

Discusses major leaps in knowledge about the production of flowers that have come from studying genes that regulate the flowers of mouse ear cress (Arabidopsis thaliana). Examines the ABC model of flower morphogenesis, commonality of genes, evolution of angiosperms, and agricultural and horticultural potential. (LZ)

Whether variation in the number of cytosine-guanine-guanine (CGG) repeats on the FMR-1 gene relates to IQ in the general population was studied for 35 low-IQ, 19 middle-IQ, and 49 high-IQ children. IQ groups did not differ significantly in number of CGG repeats. (SLD)

A study involving 20 pairs of monozygotic and 17 pairs of dizygotic twins aged 5 to 6 years was conducted to explore the extent to which electroencephalogic (EEG) coherence is affected by genetic and environmental factors. Analysis reveals both genetic and environmental influences on functional connections in the cortex. (SLD)

This is an update of a 1991 review on tumor suppressor genes written at a time when understanding of how the genes work was limited. A recent major breakthrough in the understanding of the function of tumor suppressor genes is discussed. (LZ)

Provides an overview of the "lux" system of bioluminescence. Supplements a laboratory exercise on bacterial transformation utilizing the "lux" system. (LZ)

Bioluminescence transformation experiments show students the excitement and power of recombinant DNA technology. This laboratory experiment utilizes two plasmids of "Vibrio fischeri" in a transformation experiment. (LZ)

A literature review of autism and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) substantiates a significant association between the two. Studies of 14 autistic probands and 13 TSC probands identified 7 TSC subjects with autism, who had more seizures and mental retardation than those without autism. More male TSC probands with autism than female were…

This article addresses the moral and ethical issues of mental retardation and a continuing legacy of belief in eugenics. It discusses the involuntary sterilization of Carrie Buck in 1927, support for legalized killing of subnormal infants by 47% of respondents to a Mensa survey, and implications of the Human Genome Project for the field of mental…

Describes a learning model that can be used to help students understand the process of genetic translation. (ZWH)

Provides protocols for the isolation and characterization of plasmid from E.coli. (ZWH)

This study evaluated the fragile X status of 116 Japanese patients with autism. None of the subjects was found to have the fragile X condition, a finding which is contrasted with results of 16 other studies. Possible racial factors or methodological complications are suggested as reasons for these findings. (DB)