Educational Materials about Cotton: Genetics, Evolution, and Contig Assembly
Time: 5:20 PM
Louisa A. Stark, Ph.D., Genetic Science Learning Center, University of Utah
In this presentation, we will share three teaching resources appropriate for high school or undergraduate students. The online materials in “Why Study Cotton Genes?” explain the differences in genetic diversity between domesticated and wild cotton, describe why the genetic diversity in wild cotton can serve as a source of gene variations that may help scientists develop cotton varieties that are better able to withstand the challenges of global warming, and compare traditional breeding to marker-assisted breeding and transgenetic technology. The online multimedia materials in “The Evolution of Cotton” highlight uses of cotton in people’s everyday lives, compare and contrast different species of cotton, illustrate the domestication of cotton from wild ancestors, and describe the evolution of cotton’s A and D genomes. Most genomes, such as cotton, are very large and thus must be sequenced in short pieces. A hands-on activity engages students in working with a model that allows them to see how DNA reads are assembled into a sequence (contig).