Genetics & Genomics Project Ideas

Using Your Computer Skills to Explore DNA

Genomics is an excellent area of research for students who are good with computers. If you are comfortable navigating somewhat complicated websites and enjoy manipulating and downloading computer files, then genomics might be a good fit for you.

So what exactly is genomics? Genomics is the study of the entire set of an organism's genes (or the genes of multiple organisms) and their functions, using techniques such as mapping, sequencing, analyzing and modeling. Genomics aims to look at all genes together as a complex and dynamic system. Specialists in genomics hope that their discoveries will lead to innovative new ways to design diagnostic tests as well as therapies to treat diseases. Check out some of the topics that are featured in the Project Ideas below:

• Using computer programs to identify, visualize, and analyze DNA sequences
• Using computational tools to investigate the causes of genetic diseases or to study the evolution of species
• Comparing human and animal DNA sequences to infer how closely related we are to those animals

Pedigree Analysis: A Family Tree of Traits

Some characteristics, like the shape of your hairline, whether your earlobes are attached or detached, and whether or not you have freckles, are inherited from your parents. In this science project you'll see how writing these characteristics onto a family tree can help you determine how they are inherited.   Read more...

Difficulty =   5  –  7      Add to favorites     Show others like this

Learning Your A, G, C's (and T, too)

This is a project about the "molecular alphabet" of DNA. With just four "letters," it manages to keep track of the plan for an entire person, and keep a complete copy in nearly every cell. This project will help you start learning this new alphabet.   Read more...

Difficulty =   5  –  6      Add to favorites     Show others like this

Are Fingerprint Patterns Inherited?

Fingerprints are used as reliable identification because each person's fingerprints are unique. But are these unique patterns created randomly or are they influenced by genetics?   Read more...

Difficulty =   6      Add to favorites     Show others like this

How Much DNA Can You Pack into a Cell?

Have you ever tried to pack a suitcase? If so, you know that no matter how hard you try, there is a limit to the amount you can cram in, which means if you have more stuff, you need a bigger suitcase! Do you think the same principle applies to DNA in a cell? Does an animal with a bigger genome need a larger cell nucleus to store its DNA? Try this science project and find out!   Read more...

Difficulty =   6  –  8      Add to favorites     Show others like this

May the Best Plant Win! Experiment with Genetically Modified Seeds

Farmers face a variety of challenges in their efforts to grow crops. One of the chief challenges is the presence of unwanted plants (weeds) that compete with the crop plants for water, nutrients, and light. If the weeds are not suppressed, they can reduce or completely eliminate the amount of food derived from the crop at harvest. In this biotechnology and plant science fair project, you will simulate the competition between crop plants and weeds, and determine whether the use of an herbicide, Roundup®, provides a growth advantage to genetically modified plants.   Read more...

Difficulty =   7      Add to favorites     Show others like this

Prev <   1   > Next

 

Science Buddies gratefully acknowledges its Presenting Sponsor

It's free! As a member you will be the first to receive our new and innovative project ideas, news about upcoming science competitions, science fair tips, and information on other science related initiatives.

Science Fair Project Home      Our Sponsors      Partners      About Us      Volunteer      Donate      Contact Us      Research Grants & Outreach      Site Map

Science Fair Project Ideas      Science Fair Project Guide      Ask an Expert      Blog      Teacher Resources      Parent Resources      Student Resources      Science Careers     



Copyright © 2002-2009 Kenneth Lafferty Hess Family Charitable Foundation. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of material from this website without written permission is strictly prohibited.
Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Fair Use.

Index of Genetics & Genomics Project Ideas

Which Animals Have Genome Projects? | Who Has the Biggest Genome? | Pedigree Analysis: A Family Tree of Traits | Learning Your A, G, C's (and T, too) | Are Fingerprint Patterns Inherited? | How Much DNA Can You Pack into a Cell? | May the Best Plant Win! Experiment with Genetically Modified Seeds | What is the Woolly Mammoth's Closest Living Relative? | Use DNA Sequencing to Trace the Blue Whale's Evolutionary Tree | BLAST into the Past to Identify T. Rex's Closest Living Relative | The Tree of Life — I (basic) | The Cancer Genome Anatomy Project | Trace Your Ancient Ancestry Through DNA | Neanderthals, Orangutans, Lemurs, & You—It's a Primate Family Reunion! | Bioinformatics - The Perfect Marriage of Computer Science & Medicine | BLASTing Flu Viruses | Investigate Native Plant Evolution with Chloroplast Sequencing | The Tree of Life – II (advanced) | Computational Exploration of Protein Function |