Key concepts Essays - Biometrics, Identification,

Key concepts Genetics Inheritance Biology Development DNA Introduction Have you ever seen a child who looked just like his or her father when the latter was younger? We can often tell that two people are related because they have several similar physical traits, such as facial features or hair color. This is because children receive half of their DNA (genetic blueprints) from each parent. But what about something small, such as fingerprintsare they an inherited trait? Fingerprints are used to identify people because each person's fingerprints are unique, but people can have similar fingerprint patterns. This Father's Day you could do this activity with your family to investigate whether fingerprint patterns are random or influenced by genetics. You'll be able to see if your fingerprint pattern is just one more trait that you can thank your father (and mother) for giving you. 88582580963 Background You started getting your own unique fingerprints even before you were born! During weeks 10 through 24 of development ridges form on the epidermis (outermost skin layer) of a fetus's fingertips. The patterns that these ridges make on each finger and thumb are known as fingerprints, which are static and do not change with ageso an individual will have the same fingerprints from infancy to adulthood. The patterns change size, but not shape, as the person grows. (To get a better idea of how that works you can model the change in size by inking your fingerprint onto a balloon and then blowing up the balloon.) Because each person has unique fingerprints that do not change over time, these prints can be used for identification. For example, police use fingerprints to determine whether a particular individual has been at a crime scene. Although the exact number, shape and spacing of the ridges changes from person to person, fingerprints can be sorted into three general categories based on their pattern type: loop, arch and whorl. 1114425276225 Materials At least one pair of parents and their genetic son(s) or daughter(s) (The more members of the nuclear family that are available, the better the results will be.) Magnifying glass (optional) Preparation Look at some drawings or pictures of the three basic fingerprint pattern types: loop, arch and whorl. In a loop pattern the ridges enter from either side, curve up and then exit usually from the same side they entered. In a whorl pattern the ridges are usually circular. In an arch pattern the ridges enter from one side, make a small rise in the center and exit generally on the opposite side. Become familiar with what the different types look like so you can readily identify them. Note that there is some variation on these basic types, such as the tented arch, which looks like a more sharply curved version of the typical arch. 1028700142875 Procedure Gather family members together so that you can look at their fingerprints as a group. One at a time, look at each person's right index finger where their fingerprint is. By looking at the pattern on the finger, characterize the pattern as a whorl, arch or loop. You could use a magnifying glass to look at their finger more closely. What type of fingerprint pattern do they have? Look at the fingerprint pattern of other family members, one at a time, and characterize each as one of the three basic patterns. What type of fingerprint patterns do other family members have? Do you see any trends? Overall, does it look like fingerprint patterns are inherited? In other words, did siblings usually have the same fingerprint pattern and did people have fingerprint patterns in common with their parents? There is an inheritance component to fingerprint patterns but the genetics of how they are inherited are complicated. (Multiple genes are involved.) Fingerprints are also affected by a person's environment while developing in the womb. Because of this, you may have seen some examples of fingerprint patterns likely being inherited (such as a son and/or daughter having the same pattern type as their father). But this may not have always been the case for individuals you know to be closely related. To more clearly see how fingerprint patterns are inherited, you would need to use a

Sample Student Essay Responses For Parcc Questions

Sample Student Essay Responses For Parcc QuestionsThere are lots of ways to answer sample student essay responses for parcc questions. The essay will be more effectively formulated if the sample question has been created in the first place, after all!Remember that in a few minutes or less you will be done with the multiple choice questions and have got one more paragraph that is written. In this one paragraph, you will have to answer a few questions like, where did you receive your schooling, what was your major, what did you do after high school, what are your hobbies etc. When writing your response, be very organized and clear.A good way to organize your ideas is to identify your strongest point. Write that point down. This will make it easy for you to get your thoughts straight. Remember, you will only have time to make one paragraph of great paragraphs.Ask some friends for their opinions on the answers you have come up with. You can also use a good online forum to collect your th oughts and opinions. You will also want to be accurate and on the ball.Beginning with the first paragraph, try to outline what it is you want to write about. Your first paragraph should start off by defining the topic. In the second paragraph, you will summarize what you have written.Writing for an exam or other assignment might seem daunting at first, but don't be discouraged. Writing is an art, and you will learn how to use your creativity. As long as you try to not over complicate your essays, you will be able to answer your sample student essay responses for parcc questions. This will take a little practice, but once you get used to it, your work will look so much better.Be sure to always test yourself on your answers to sample student essay responses for parcc questions. Remember, you will have just a couple of minutes to get your essay ready. Make the most of the time you have and make the essay short and direct.