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Activity description:

In this lab activity students will observe genetic traits in Drosophila melanogaster, a common species of fruit fly, that is used as a model organism in genetic research. Through a comparison of wild-type and mutant strains of Drosophila, participants will observe first-hand how mutations in DNA can affect the traits of a living thing, and draw conclusions about the role that mutations play in natural selection, evolution and genetic disease.

Participants will:
• Observe genetic traits in Drosophila fruit flies
• Describe the connection between genes and traitss
• Understand the important role mutations play in all living things

Presenter: Megan Capobianco, DNA Learning Center
Audience: Grades 5-8

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