The World Health Organization website has a concise but comprehensive overview of the relationship between genetics, sex, and gender. This website presents an overview of the major ethical, legal, and social implications associated with gender and genetics. This website is a useful resource for students researching sex and gender in the context of genetics or health.
Activity: Sex Verification of Athletes
Drawing of Indian professional sprinter Dutee Chand running a race.
In this web activity by HHMI BioInteractive, students integrate knowledge from several areas of genetics to understand the history and the science behind sex verification of athletes.
The key concepts covered in the activity are:
Information stored in DNA is expressed as RNA and proteins, which impact anatomical structures and physiology.
Many gene products determine the development of biological sex characteristics in humans.
Like many traits, biological sex consists of a spectrum of phenotypes.
Scientific knowledge (e.g., knowledge about which genes and other factors contribute to a person's traits) can inform societal practices (e.g., what types of tests can be used to define an individual's biological sex), although ultimately implementing those practices reflects our values as a society.
The lab techniques covered in the activity are:
Physical examination
Barr body staining
PCR and gel electrophoresis of SRY gene
Serum testosterone measurement
Activity: Nondisjunction and Intersex Traits
Description
In this activity, students pick up the nuts and bolts of nondisjunction by playing the Meiosis Game created by Sara Freeman and Matt Gilbert. Students simulate two scenarios of nondisjunction and record information about the intersex traits that arise. Students learn that while 46,XX and 46,XY are the most common human karyotypes, there are many other viable and naturally occurring variations. Then students evaluate the merits and limitations of the model.
