Mutant Organisms

More info and downloads: https://dnalc.cshl.edu/resources/dnal... 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