Manipulative chromosomal model

• US 4,031,635 A
• Filed: 08/20/1976
• Issued: 06/28/1977
• Est. Priority Date: 04/14/1975
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Edward E. Brandt, Margaret K. Brandt
• Original Assignee: Edward E. Brandt, Margaret K. Brandt
• Inventors: Brandt, Edward E., Brandt, Margaret K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Skogquist, Harland S.
• Application Number:
  US05/716,279
• Time in Patent Office: 312 Days
• Field of Search: 35/18 R, 35/18 A, 35/20, 40/316, 46/23, 46/28, 46/29, 128/DIG. 15, 273/140, 24/204, 428/4, 428/5, 428/100
• US Class Current: 434/295
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 23/36 for zoology

Abstract

A teaching aid in the form of manipulative chromosomal models is described. Each chromosomal model contains at least two subunits, each subunit being provided with separable connectors at each end in the form of hook and loop type fasteners. A pair of chromosomal models of contrasting color permits the study of the behavior of the orientations and movements of chromosomal material during the cell reproduction processes of mitosis and meiosis. Simulated centromeres are provided for the further illustration of these biological processes.

Claims

1. A manipulative chromosome model to be placed on a flat surface for the study of chromosomal changes and processes which comprises:

from two to four limp generally cylindrical subunits representing chromosome segments, each subunit having a length of about 4 to about 8 inches and a diameter of about 1/4 to 3/8 inch;

a first half of a contact sensitive reusable fastener affixed to one end of each subunit substantially perpendicular to the length of the subunit; and

a second half of the fastener affixed to the second end of each subunit substantially perpendicular to the length of the subunit whereby the subunits may be placed on the flat surface and serially joined to form a simulated chromosome.

2. The manipulative chromosome model of claim 1 wherein the subunits representing chromosome segments are lengths of cotton rope.

3. The manipulative chromosome model of claim 1 further comprising:

a second group of limp generally cylindrical subunits representing chromosome segments of an identical number and size, each subunit having a first half of a contact sensitive reusable fastener affixed at one end thereof and a second half of the fastener affixed at the second end, both fasteners halves being substantially perpendicular to the length of the subunit, whereby the subunits may be placed on the flat surface and serially joined to form a second simulated chromosome; and

at least one simulated centromere encircling both simulated chromosomes at a common position forming a first duplicated chromosome.

4. The manipulative chromosome model of claim 3 further comprising:

additional limp generally cylindrical subunits representing simulated chromosome segments each subunit having a first half of a contact sensitive reusable fastener affixed at one end thereof and a second half of the fastener affixed at the second end, both fastener halves being substantially perpendicular to the length of the subunit, the number of subunits and size being sufficient when joined serially to produce a second duplicated chromosome; and

at least a one additional simulated centromere encircling the second duplicated chromosome.

5. The manipulative chromosome model of claim 4 further comprising at least one fastener disc having a first half of a contact sensitive reusable fastener on both surfaces joining two second halves of the fasteners on adjoining simulated chromosome segments and at least one fastener disc having second half of the fasteners on both surfaces joining two first halves of the fasteners on adjoining simulated chromosome segments.

6. The manipulative chromosome model of claim 4 wherein the first simulated duplicated chromosome is one identifying color, the second simulated duplicated chromosome is a second identifying color and the simulated centromere is a third color.