This spring, we dove into how genetics shapes our perception of the world through fun activities!
Taste Perception: Did you know taste is influenced by genetics? We used PTC strips to see who among us can taste bitterness strongly and who cannot. Colour Perception: Our genes affect how we see colours. We tested our vision with Ishihara plates to explore our unique colour perceptions. Touch & Inheritance: Our fingerprints are unique, but their patterns (loops, whorls, and arches) often run in families. We compared them to find similarities. Light Sensitivity: Some of us sneeze when exposed to bright light due to a genetic trait called ACHOO syndrome. We tested this by seeing who sneezes when suddenly exposed to bright light. Touch Sensitivity: Sensitivity to touch varies due to genetic differences in nerve receptors. We used a two-point discrimination test to see how close two points need to be before we feel them as one.
We also built a DNA origami model, learning about the double helix structure that contains genetic instructions for all living things!
