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About This Simulation
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.
Learning Objectives
- Construct a pedigree using a polymerase chain reaction derived data
- Interpret the relationship between specific genetic mutations and cancer development risk
About This Simulation
Lab Techniques
- Pedigree/ linkage analysis
- Pedigree trees
Related Standards
- Early Stage Bachelors Level
- Early Stage Masters Level
- EHEA First Cycle
- US College Year 1
- US College Year 2
- US College Year 3
- US College Year 4
- Biology Unit 5.4
- Biology 3.1
Learn More 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?
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For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage
North Dakota State College of Science
“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster
"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.
Modesto City Schools
"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."
Wenatchee Valley College
"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”
San José State University
"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions.
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A Labster virtual lab is an interactive, multimedia assignment that students access right from their computers. Many Labster virtual labs prepare students for success in college by introducing foundational knowledge using multimedia visualizations that make it easier to understand complex concepts. Other Labster virtual labs prepare learners for careers in STEM labs by giving them realistic practice on lab techniques and procedures.
Labster’s virtual lab simulations are created by scientists and designed to maximize engagement and interactivity. Unlike watching a video or reading a textbook, Labster virtual labs are interactive. To make progress, students must think critically and solve a real-world problem. We believe that learning by doing makes STEM stick.
Yes, Labster is compatible with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) including Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, Moodle, and many others. Students can access Labster like any other assignment. If your institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log into Labster’s Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide which is the best access method.
Labster is available for purchase by instructors, faculty, and administrators at education institutions. Purchasing our starter package, Labster Explorer, can be done using a credit card if you are located in the USA, Canada, or Mexico. If you are outside of North America or are choosing a higher plan, please speak with a Labster sales representative. Compare plans.
Labster supports a wide range of STEM courses at the high school, college, and university level across fields in biology, chemistry, physics, and health sciences. You can identify topics for your courses by searching our Content Catalog.