Name ___________________________
Date ____________________ Per ____
Genetics Research & Essay Writing Project
DNA replication is a complex process where mistakes can easily occur. When mistakes do occur they can be either
positive, negative, or have no effect on the organism at all. In class we have discussed several types of mutations and
how the mutation affected the organism. To determine whether the mutation is positive, negative, or neutral we have
to look at how the mutation affects that organism in its environment.
A genetic disorder is an abnormal condition that a person inherits through genes or chromosomes. Some are caused by
mutations in the DNA of genes. Other disorders are caused by changes in the overall structure or number of
chromosomes. Below are some examples of topics to research for humans.
From the lists below, choose one topic to research and write a three paragraph essay, each paragraph with 8 sentences:
Mutations or Genetic Disorders:
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Achondroplasia
Albinism
Allergies (multiple types)
Arthritis
Asthma
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Color Blindness
Cowden Syndrome
Cru-du-chat syndrome/Cat Cry syndrome
Cystic Fibrosis
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
DiGeorge Syndrome
Down Syndrome
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Fragile X Syndrome
Hemophilia
Hereditary Fructose Intolerance
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Huntington’s Disease
Klinefelter Syndrome
Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
Lynch Syndrome
Marfan Syndrome
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Prader-Willi Syndrome
Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
Retinoblastoma
Sickle-cell Anemia
Tay-Sachs Disease
Thalassemias
Triple X Syndrome
Trisomy 13 Syndrome
Trisomy 18 Syndrome
Tuberous Sclerosis
Turner’s Syndrome
Usher Syndrome
von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome
Williams Syndrome
Other ideas? _______________________________________________________________________________________
Day 1: Choose your topic after doing some research: _______________________________________________________
Start to research at least 2 genetic web resources (start with links on my webpage: westada.org/Williams’_Science
The best web sources usually end in .edu, .gov, .org. Write at least 5 summary sentences for each source and cite your
sources! See attached page with examples.
Day 2: Finish your research and begin your rough draft for your 3 paragraph essay. You may use the attached templates
for your paragraphs. Be sure to write from a scientist’s point of view and do not write a narrative or short story.
Paragraph #1 – The 3 RDFs and explains this paragraph should include: description of the disorder, major causes
of the genetic disorder or mutation, symptoms of the disorder.
Name ___________________________
Date ____________________ Per ____
Paragraph 2 – The 3 RDFs and explains this paragraph should include: testing/diagnosis, treatment, any
environmental factors that contribute to the disorder.
Paragraph 3 – The 3 RDFs and explains this paragraph should include: living with the disorder, occurrence in the
general population, a claim deciding if the genetic mutation or disorder is positive or negative or neutral.
Day 3: Finish your rough draft and then copy and paste it into www.paperrater.com and use to edit before typing your
final copy. Be sure to include transition words between each paragraph and to use your RDF’s and explains.
Day 4: Complete the typing and make a cover sheet that includes a visual representation of your topic (picture/photo,
graph, chart, Punnett Square, etc.). See example attached.
Days 5 and 6: Be prepared to briefly present your topic to the class following the format you will receive from your
teacher.
How to Cite your Web Sources
Source #1
Author’s Name if known (last name, first name): __________________________________________________________
Page Title with quotation marks: _______________________________________________________________________
Website Title: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Sponsoring Institution/Publisher: _______________________________________________________________________
Date Month Year Published: ___________________________________________________________________________
Date Month Year Accessed: ___________________________________________________________________________
At least 5 summary sentences: _________________________________________________________________________
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Source #2
Author’s Name if known (last name, first name): __________________________________________________________
Page Title with quotation marks: _______________________________________________________________________
Website Title: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Sponsoring Institution/Publisher: _______________________________________________________________________
Date Month Year Published: ___________________________________________________________________________
Date Month Year Accessed: ___________________________________________________________________________
At least 5 summary sentences: _________________________________________________________________________
Name ___________________________
Date ____________________ Per ____
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Blank Example without author:
“Website Article.” Website Title. Website Publisher, Date Month Year Published. Web. Date Month Year Accessed.
Completed Example:
“India.” Travel.State.Gov. Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State, 17 Feb. 2010. Web. 4 May 2010.
Blank Example with author:
Last, First M. “Article Title. ”Website Title. Website Publisher, Date Month Year Published. Web. Date2 Month Year Accessed.
Completed Example:
Feinberg, Ashley. “What’s the Safest Seat in an Airplane?” Gizmodo. Gawker Media, 28 Mar. 2013. Web. 30 Mar. 2013.
Sample Cover Page
Name of Genetic Disorder
(18 font)
Inserted Visual
(picture/photo,
graph, chart,
Punnett
Square, etc.)
Your full name
Date turned in
Your period
11 font