Genética mendeliana y teoría cromosómica: un desfase vigente en la educación universitaria

Abstract

The present study assesses the ability of university undergraduate students to relate the process of meiosis (formation of gametes) with the segregation of phenotypic traits (Punnett square). Two student groups from two different universities solve two genetics problems presented in a didactic sequence by making comics. The results show that students provide probabilistic explanations by using the Punnett square, but without making a connection with meiosis. They show confusion when explaining fundamental genetics concepts and have difficulty explaining them outside the academic context (student-teacher). The isolated manner in which meiosis and probability are taught have an influence on students not being able to solve meiosis problems and on their inability of linking meiosis to probability in gametogenesis (generation of gametes). In conclusion, it is suggested to teach the subject of meiosis and probability in a together and correlatively.