The human genome project was one the most important human discoveries in the past 100 years. It creates a map of every gene in the human body.  Through this lesson you will explore the history of the genome project, its applications today, and implications for your life.  In addition, you will reflect on its impact on your life and determine if you think this is a positive or negative change. Based on your understanding, you will look at different perspectives with empathy to better understand how this technology impacts other people's lives.StandardsBIO.B.2.4Explain how genetic engineering has impacted the fields of medicine, forensics, and agriculture (e.g., selective breeding, gene splicing, cloning, genetically modified organisms, gene therapy).

This unit includes one week of lessons which immediately follow the Genetics and DNA units. The previous knowledge gained from these units, as well as a previous project where students researched and shared with their classmates a specific genetic disorder, will provide the background for students to participate in a debate about the ethical issues of applying information available through the Human Genome Project (HGP).

Final video in a series from 23andMe and Khan Academy that introduces human prehistory, this video describes how when people started crossing oceans, genetic and cultural differences between people from different continents began fading.

Students are introduced to the latest imaging methods used to visualize molecular structures and the method of electrophoresis that is used to identify and compare genetic code (DNA). Students should already have basic knowledge of genetics, DNA (DNA structure, nucleotide bases), proteins and enzymes. The lesson begins with a discussion to motivate the need for imaging techniques and DNA analysis, which prepares students to participate in the associated two-part activity: 1) students each choose an imaging method to research (from a provided list of molecular imaging methods), 2) they research basic information about electrophoresis.

Limiting the debilitating consequences of ageing is a major medical challenge of our time. Robust pharmacological interventions that promote healthy ageing across diverse genetic backgrounds may engage conserved longevity pathways. Here we report results from the Caenorhabditis Intervention Testing Program in assessing longevity variation across 22 Caenorhabditis strains spanning 3 species, using multiple replicates collected across three independent laboratories. Reproducibility between test sites is high, whereas individual trial reproducibility is relatively low. Of ten pro-longevity chemicals tested, six significantly extend lifespan in at least one strain. Three reported dietary restriction mimetics are mainly effective across C. elegans strains, indicating species and strain-specific responses. In contrast, the amyloid dye ThioflavinT is both potent and robust across the strains. Our results highlight promising pharmacological leads and demonstrate the importance of assessing lifespans of discrete cohorts across repeat studies to capture biological variation in the search for reproducible ageing interventions.

Part of an interdisciplinary week-long unit on DNA and genetics with activities in science, math, and language arts. This lesson is Part A: Science. Students complete a teacher-made scavenger hunt as an introduction to DNA and genetics, then watch a short video and use their science books to learn more about the topic. Students work in pairs to investigate DNA, genetics, and cloning through internet research and compile their information in the form of their own internet scavenger hunt.

This class is a project-based introduction to the engineering of synthetic biological systems. Throughout the term, students develop projects that are responsive to real-world problems of their choosing, and whose solutions depend on biological technologies. Lectures, discussions, and studio exercises will introduce (1) components and control of prokaryotic and eukaryotic behavior, (2) DNA synthesis, standards, and abstraction in biological engineering, and (3) issues of human practice, including biological safety; security; ownership, sharing, and innovation; and ethics. Enrollment preference is given to freshmen.
This subject was originally developed and first taught in Spring 2008 by Drew Endy and Natalie Kuldell. Many of Drew’s materials are used in this Spring 2009 version, and are included with his permission.
This OCW Web site is based on the OpenWetWare class Wiki, found at OpenWetWare: 20.020 (S09)

The MIT Biology Department core courses, 7.012, 7.013, and 7.014, all cover the same core material, which includes the fundamental principles of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. Biological function at the molecular level is particularly emphasized and covers the structure and regulation of genes, as well as, the structure and synthesis of proteins, how these molecules are integrated into cells, and how these cells are integrated into multicellular systems and organisms. In addition, each version of the subject has its own distinctive material.
7.012 focuses on the exploration of current research in cell biology, immunology, neurobiology, genomics, and molecular medicine.
Acknowledgments
The study materials, problem sets, and quiz materials used during Fall 2004 for 7.012 include contributions from past instructors, teaching assistants, and other members of the MIT Biology Department affiliated with course #7.012. Since the following works have evolved over a period of many years, no single source can be attributed.

Students learn how engineers apply their understanding of DNA to manipulate specific genes to produce desired traits, and how engineers have used this practice to address current problems facing humanity. They learn what genetic engineering means and examples of its applications, as well as moral and ethical problems related to its implementation. Students fill out a flow chart to list the methods to modify genes to create GMOs and example applications of bacteria, plant and animal GMOs.

7.016 Introductory Biology provides an introduction to fundamental principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics for understanding the functions of living systems. Taught for the first time in Fall 2013, this course covers examples of the use of chemical biology and twenty-first-century molecular genetics in understanding human health and therapeutic intervention.
The MIT Biology Department Introductory Biology courses 7.012, 7.013, 7.014, 7.015, and 7.016 all cover the same core material, which includes the fundamental principles of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. Biological function at the molecular level is particularly emphasized and covers the structure and regulation of genes, as well as the structure and synthesis of proteins, how these molecules are integrated into cells, and how these cells are integrated into multicellular systems and organisms. In addition, each version of the subject has its own distinctive material.

The MIT Biology Department core Introductory Biology courses, 7.012, 7.013, 7.014, 7.015, and 7.016 all cover the same core material, which includes the fundamental principles of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. The focus of 7.013 is on genomic approaches to human biology, including neuroscience, development, immunology, tissue repair and stem cells, tissue engineering, and infectious and inherited diseases, including cancer.

The MIT Biology Department core courses, 7.012, 7.013, and 7.014, all cover the same core material, which includes the fundamental principles of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. 7.013 focuses on the application of the fundamental principles toward an understanding of human biology. Topics include genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, disease (infectious agents, inherited diseases and cancer), developmental biology, neurobiology and evolution.
Biological function at the molecular level is particularly emphasized in all courses and covers the structure and regulation of genes, as well as, the structure and synthesis of proteins, how these molecules are integrated into cells, and how these cells are integrated into multicellular systems and organisms. In addition, each version of the subject has its own distinctive material.

The MIT Biology Department core courses, 7.012, 7.013, and 7.014, all cover the same core material, which includes the fundamental principles of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. Biological function at the molecular level is particularly emphasized and covers the structure and regulation of genes, as well as, the structure and synthesis of proteins, how these molecules are integrated into cells, and how these cells are integrated into multicellular systems and organisms. In addition, each version of the subject has its own distinctive material.
7.014 focuses on the application of these fundamental principles, toward an understanding of microorganisms as geochemical agents responsible for the evolution and renewal of the biosphere and of their role in human health and disease.
Acknowledgements
The study materials, problem sets, and quiz materials used during Spring 2005 for 7.014 include contributions from past instructors, teaching assistants, and other members of the MIT Biology Department affiliated with course 7.014. Since the following works have evolved over a period of many years, no single source can be attributed.

This is a laboratory manual designed for an Introductory Biology Course. Topics covered include Data and Literature, Basic Scientific Skills, the Scientific Method, Macromolecules, Diffiusion and Osmosis, Enzymes, Microscopes and Cells, Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis, The Cell Cycle, Mitosis and Meiosis, Genetics and DNA Fingerprinting. Each lab has a pre-laboratory assignment and post-laboratory assignment for students to complete. Additional resources referenced in the lab are provided, as well as grading rubrics for every assignment and a Lab Instructor Manual that contains lab notes and results from the lab exercises. A recipe list for all reagents is also included. 

The genes present in the DNA of a chromosome help to explain the genotypic and phenotypic differences seen in organisms of the same species i.e. Fugate Family. The genes code for specific proteins and these proteins can be varied during meiosis when parents (½ from each parent) are passing their genetic information to their offspring. This passing of genetic information can be predicted and traced through many generations, due to the principles of Mendelian Genetics, and can be useful when determining the starting point of a phenotype. The environment a particular species inhabits may help to explain why some genes become favorable, as small isolated populations often have connections to inbreeding (incest).

By keeping a field journal, kids gain insight into local wildlife and the role of genetics in this OLogy activity. The activity begins by telling kids that scientists learn about animals by observing them and by analyzing DNA. They then are given directions for how to keep a field journal that tracks the appearance and behavior of an animal of their choice. Kids are asked to write down any questions they have about the animal that could be answered with DNA analysis. The activity includes a sample field journal page for reference.

This resource is a video abstract of a research paper created by Research Square on behalf of its authors. It provides a synopsis that's easy to understand, and can be used to introduce the topics it covers to students, researchers, and the general public. The video's transcript is also provided in full, with a portion provided below for preview:

"Researchers are combining tumor-killing viruses with immune-boosting drugs to mark otherwise stealthy tumors for death In their recent study, the researchers grafted human melanoma tumors onto the left and right flanks of mice Right-side tumors were injected with ONCOS-102, viruses genetically modified to eradicate melanoma cells Left-side tumors were left untreated The team then injected mice with pembrolizumab, a checkpoint inhibitor Checkpoint inhibitors block cloaking proteins on tumor or T cells that normally let them slip past immune cells These powerful drugs turn “cold” tumors “hot” on immune cells’ radar Shrunken left-side tumors proved that this 1-2 combination could cripple tumors at a distance— an effect amplified by delivering ONCOS-102 and pembrolizumab at the same time Now, in order to prove the efficacy of ONCOS-102 combined with pembrolizumab in humans, a Phase I clinical study is ongoing (NCT03003676) Researchers are exploring how to make this killer combi.."

The rest of the transcript, along with a link to the research itself, is available on the resource itself.

Overview of gene regulation in the Lac operon. Discussion of CAP, cAMP, lac repressor and allolactose in regulation of lac operon.

Biotechnology is perhaps the most rapidly advancing area in science today. The Advances in Biotechnology volume has been created to provide language teachers with resources about breakthroughs in biotechnology. Each chapter of the volume highlights one aspect of research in the field of DNA and genetics along with its applications to and implications for society. The chapters feature relevant background information on each topic, interactive and communicative classroom activities, and a list of related print and Internet resources that will allow teachers to expand the lesson further.

This resource is a video abstract of a research paper created by Research Square on behalf of its authors. It provides a synopsis that's easy to understand, and can be used to introduce the topics it covers to students, researchers, and the general public. The video's transcript is also provided in full, with a portion provided below for preview:

"Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although targeted therapy and immunotherapy have improved treatment, the 5-year survival rate of lung cancer patients remains low. New therapies are needed to target molecules that drive cancer progression. A new study examined the role of a common mutation in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Loss-of-function mutations in KEAP1, an adapter protein that acts as a cellular sensor of oxidative stress, are present in over 25% of patients with LSCC. Researchers compared human lung cancer cell lines with and without KEAP1 mutations. They found that cells lacking KEAP1 function had increased proliferation, migration, and tumor growth and increased expression of NRF2, a transcription factor that regulates cellular protection against oxidative damage. Blocking NRF2 with a pharmaceutical inhibitor, ML385, inhibited proliferation of lung cancer cells with KEAP1 mutations..."

The rest of the transcript, along with a link to the research itself, is available on the resource itself.