Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network Inc

The American Society of Human Genetics is holding its 5th annual DNA Day Essay Contest for high school and middle school students. The deadline for entries is March 15th, 2010.

First prize is $400 and a $2,000 grant for the winner’s teacher. Second prize is $250 and third prize is $150. Entries must be turned in by the student’s teacher or primary instructor if the student is home schooled. 

This year’s questions are:

Scientists can now determine the complete DNA sequences of organisms, including humans. Now that this milestone has been reached, is there a reason to continue learning about Mendel, alleles, and inheritance patterns? Explain your answer.

Or

Genetic testing allows geneticists to determine an individual’s DNA sequence, and research has identified a number of genes, such as HMGA2 and GDF5, that are associated with height. Will such associations allow scientists and physicians to predict a person’s final adult height from infancy? Explain your answer.

To enter the contest, or to learn more, visit: http://www.ashg.org/education/dnadaycontest.shtml