In an essay of no longer than one page (12 point font, no less that 1.5 line
spacing, left margin 3 cm), discuss what we have reviewed in the classical section
(Mendel 1 to complementation and genetic analysis of metabolic pathways).
In the first paragraph review the scale of analyses and inference. For example, ‘ in
single – gene two allele breeding experiments, ratios of large numbers of F1 and F2
visible phenotype data are analyzed to test whether they fit classical expectations.
This indicates whether or not 2 or more alleles of the same gene segregate randomly
between metaphase and anaphase 1 of F1 gametes.
In the second paragraph, summarize the implications of this classical work for our
ideas or models about the nature of gene structure and expression. For example,
single –gene two allele studies showed there must be a mechanism that randomly
recombines maternal and paternal alleles and then segregates them into gametes.
Finally in one or two sentences, conclude your essay by arguing the relevance of
classical work for our understanding of heredity and variability of organisms.
Your essay should have a header with a short title, your name, section and student
ID. The size of the right, bottom and top margins are up to you.
Regardless, there
will be marks for content, writing style (spelling, sentence structure, punctuation,
length etc.), the precision of your description and the logic of your analysis.
The essay must be printed and given to your TA by no later than 5.30 pm (17.30)
Thursday, October 2nd. Of course it would be easier for everyone if it was handed
in during your tutorial (Sept 30 –Oct 2). TAs will not accept Email submissions and
there will be a 20% per day penalty for being late.
While you are studying for the midterm quiz-exam, you might find it useful to make
a list of points that you are going to use for this essay. I see it as another way to
prepare for it. Shorter sentences are easier to construct and interpret. Topic
sentences at the beginning of a paragraph orient your reader to its content or
argument. A summary sentence at the end of a paragraph should anticipate the next
paragraph or help focus your subsequent conclusion.
Writing is a skill that is best developed through reading and practice. Scientific
communication flows first and foremost through writing. Practice it here.
Remember the writing must be your work. Copying from any source is plagiarism, a
serious academic offence. This does not mean you cannot discuss this with your
friends or cite sources. What I do not want to see however is an essay of quotes. If
you must use them, restrict this to one or two.
Jermaine Byrant
Nicole Johnson
OVER
RATING
YEARS
