A genetic test for haemochromatosis – Online course

Educational design: Jacinta Duncan and Tom Grubb

Explore how gel electrophoresis is used to diagnose hereditary haemochromatosis and analyse a DNA profile to construct a family tree.

Explore how hereditary hemochromatosis affects the body. Examine the most common mutation of the HFE gene that introduced an allele coding for a defective HFE protein. Use modelling to investigate how the alleles inherited by an individual can be detected using a restriction digest and gel electrophoresis. Analyse a DNA profile to determine the allele status of individuals in a family and construct a pedigree chart to represents the allele status and disease status of individuals. Use a pedigree chart and punnet squares to predict the outcomes of genetic crosses.

This course also involves the use of a printable model to explore HFE gene alleles. Click here to download and then print the model.

Before you begin this course we recommend that you learn about iron homeostasis using our online student course. Click here to access this course.

Level - VCE Biology Unit 2

Estimated duration - 60 minutes

Click the 'Activate this course' button below, then click 'What is haemochromatosis?' in the list that appears below to begin.