Biology: Independent Assortment - homologous chromosomes

http://www.mindbites.com/lesson/1458-biology-independent-assortment This lesson covers the concept of independent assortment. This is a critical idea for the tracking of genes and heredity with the help of the idea of meiosis. Tracking genes on chromosomes through meiosis can tell us something about genetics. Homologous chromosomes are chromosome pairs that contain genes that control the same traits. Homologous chromosomes can assort independently of other pairs of homologous chromosomes. This concept is called 'independent assortment' and it leads to many possible combinations of chromosomes in gametes and offspring. The lesson will also explain how disjunction (the separation of homologous chromosomes) further contributes to the number of different chromosomal combinations or outcome possibilities. The combination of synapsis and disjunction occur and create independent assortment, which allows for drastically different trait combinations. The more pairs of chromosomes an animal has, the more possibilities there are for possible combinations of traits and chromosomes in offspring. Taught by Professor George Wolfe, this lesson was selected from a broader, comprehensive course, Biology. This course and others are available from Thinkwell, Inc. The full course can be found at http://www.thinkwell.com/student/product/biology. The full course covers evolution, ecology, inorganic and organic chemistry, cell biology, respiration, molecular genetics, photosynthesis, biotechnology, cell reproduction, Mendelian genetics and mutation, population genetics and mutation, animal systems and homeostasis, evolution of life on earth, and plant systems and homeostasis. George Wolfe brings 30+ years of teaching and curriculum writing experience to Thinkwell Biology. His teaching career started in Zaire, Africa where he taught Biology, Chemistry, Political Economics, and Physical Education in the Peace Corps. Since then, he's taught in the Western NY region, spending the last 20 years in the Rochester City School District where he is the Director of the Loudoun Academy of Science. Besides his teaching career, Mr. Wolfe has also been an Emmy-winning television host, fielding live questions for the PBS/WXXI production of Homework Hotline as well as writing and performing in "Football Physics" segments for the Buffalo Bills and the Discover Channel. His contributions to education have been extensive, serving on multiple advisory boards including the Cornell Institute of Physics Teachers, the Cornell Institute of Biology Teachers and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics SportSmarts curriculum project. He has authored several publications including "The Nasonia Project", a lab series built around the genetics and behaviors of a parasitic wasp. He has received numerous awards throughout his teaching career including the NSTA Presidential Excellence Award, The National Association of Biology Teachers Outstanding Biology Teacher Award for New York State, The Shell Award for Outstanding Science Educator, and was recently inducted in the National Teaching Hall of Fame.