Gene Mapping Assignment – Due 5/11
A gene map is a diagram that shows the relative locations of each gene on a chromosome. The
distances between genes are directly related to recombination frequency. If the rate of recombination
between 2 genes is low, it is then assumed that the genes are close together. If the rate of recombination is
high, it is assumed that the distance between 2 genes is high. Modern forms of analysis, including
restriction enzyme digestion and analysis of DNA fragments, also are used to construct gene maps.
In this assignment, you are to create a fictional creature, possibly a plant, animal, bacterium or
virus. The creature should be drawn on a poster board with a gene map that shows one or more
chromosomes. There should be at least 10 made up genes on the gene map, with lines connecting the
genes to the corresponding parts of the creature’s body. The distance between 2 genes should be specified
in centimorgans (cM). In humans, one centimorgan corresponds to about 1 million base pairs.
There are various ways to draw a gene map, not limited to the examples provided on this sheet.
Grading breakdown is as follows:
Creature drawn on posterboard in color………15 points
Gene map with labeled genes (10)…………………...15 points
Distances between genes labeled in cM………...10 points
Lines connecting the genes on the chromosome to parts of the body....10 points