Left arrow black
Back to simulations

Gene linkage and pedigree analyses Virtual Lab

Put yourself in the place of a genetic counselor and find out if the daughter of a breast cancer patient is at a higher risk of developing breast cancer herself. Help her by constructing a pedigree and finding the defective gene by using linkage analysis.

Try for FreeTry for Free
Green Checkmark Icon

University / College

Logo Taylor's UniversityArizona State University LogoLogo uOttawaLogo Univ. Essex
Labster is used by 1,000's of amazing schools and universities
Learn more
Blue Arrow Right
 
Gene linkage and pedigree analyses

About this Simulation

This short, targeted simulation is adapted from the full-length Medical Genetics simulation. 

Did you know you can easily check if you have a small mutation in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 that can make you more likely to develop breast cancer? In this simulation, you will learn to construct a pedigree based on the acquired data from the DNA of the patient and discover the potential relationship between mutations and cancer development risk but using linkage analysis.

Constructing pedigree

Your first task is to construct a family pedigree based on the gathered information. You will learn how to read a family pedigree and determine whether or not traits are hereditary. You will visit the hospital and talk with a doctor to learn about hereditary cancer and identify genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 that can cause hereditary breast cancer in a family.

Linkage analysis

Next, you will arrive in the laboratory to start your experiments. You will begin with a linkage analysis using four microsatellite markers that are located close to BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Then you will perform a PCR to amplify the microsatellite markers and interpret the results by using gel electrophoresis. 

Analyze the pedigree

In the end, by using the gel electrophoresis results, you will analyze the genotypes from family members. Will you be able to determine which gene is linked to hereditary breast cancer in this family?

Learning Objectives

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Construct a pedigree using a polymerase chain reaction derived data

  • Interpret the relationship between specific genetic mutations and cancer development risk

Techniques in Lab

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Pedigree/ linkage analysis
  • Pedigree trees

How do virtual labs work?

Engage students in science through interactive learning scenarios. Simulate experiments, train lab techniques, and teach theory through visual experiences that enhance long-term learning outcomes.

Green Checkmark Icon

300+ Web-based simulations that can be played on laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets/iPads without installing any software

Green Checkmark Icon

Teacher dashboard to automate grading and track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Embedded quizzes to help students master science content

Green Checkmark Icon

Library of learning resources, lab reports, videos, theory pages, graphics and more

Book a Free Consultation

Relevant Course Packages

All Course Packages
Black arrow right

Get Started Now!

Try Labster with your students right away.
Green Checkmark Icon

Track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Assess with customizable quizzes

Green Checkmark Icon

Invite your students to play simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

Explore over 300 Labster simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

30 days for free, no credit card needed

Start your free trial today to discover the possibilities with Virtual Labs

Integrate with your LMS

Labster integrates with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) so that educators can use their gradebooks to track students’ performance data and students can keep a record of their work. Labster is compatible with Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Google Classroom, Schoology, Sakai, and Brightspace / D2L. It’s also possible to use Labster without an LMS.

How to Integrate Your LMS
Blue Arrow Right

Frequently asked questions

What do students learn in the "Gene linkage and pedigree analyses" simulation?
What is the simulated Biology scenario in this virtual lab?
What other Biology labs does Labster offer?