Genetics: Problem Solving Guide 2nd Ed.

Genetics is often difficult for the beginning student, partly because it deals with abstract concepts. In performing a genetic analysis, we obtain results in terms of numbers and kinds of progeny, then make inferences about what genotypes must have been present in the parents. These inferences are based on logical deductions and a modicum of rules or concepts.

Unfortunately, the concepts are often lost or obscured in the typical presentation of various topics.

This manual is meant to supplement, not replace, your text. It assumes that you have been exposed at least once to the topics covered in a given chapter. The nature of the manual is such that detailed descriptions of biological processes cannot be given. You should refer to your text and class notes for such descriptions. The problems presented, although not exhaustive by any means, should provide exposure to almost all the types of problems you will encounter in performing genetic analyses. More detailed problem sets can be found in most current genetic texts.

Each chapter includes the following:

Essential concepts: highlighted in boldface. These concepts typically take the form "A particular result suggests...." Each concept includes a sample problem, a detailed solution, and often supplementary information. Many problems here include a genotype/phenotype key, and most new terms are defined in the text of the explanation.

Chapter summary: key ideas to keep in mind when working genetic problems pertinent to concepts presented in the chapter. These summary statements are general in nature. 

Practice problems: collection of problems that incorporates all the concepts of the chapter. The concepts used in the problems are not necessarily covered in the order of presentation, and some problems require the use of more than one concept.

Detailed solutions: at the end of the manual. The answer is given first, followed by a detailed explanation of how you should have proceeded. The concepts that you needed to use are identified in the explanations.