By the end of this section, you will be able to:Explain the process of DNA replication in prokaryotesDiscuss the role of different enzymes and proteins in supporting this process
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:
"Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death among men and women and carries a poor prognosis; the percentage of patients living five years after diagnosis is just 5 to 10%. But certain patients with pancreatic cancer could fare better than others. A new study suggests that patients with a deficiency in genes responsible for responding to DNA damage could experience significantly superior outcomes compared with other patients following platinum-based chemotherapy. The findings support broader testing for germline mutations in patients with pancreatic cancer, as certain mutations could enhance the effects of anticancer therapeutics. The authors of the study reviewed medical records and genetic testing results to identify patients with pancreatic cancer who harbored mutations in DNA-damage response genes, including the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and 2. These genes help repair DNA breaks that can lead to cancer and uncontrolled tumor growth..."
The rest of the transcript, along with a link to the research itself, is available on the resource itself.
Pair this activity with lessons on selective breeding. Students will identify desirable genetic traits in apples and use a coin flip to simulate the steps and time involved to breed a new cultivar of apple. (Photo by Tom Paolini on Unsplash.com)
By the end of this section, you will be able to:Describe the structure of DNAExplain the Sanger method of DNA sequencingDiscuss the similarities and differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic DNA
Students learn about mutations to both DNA and chromosomes, and uncontrolled changes to the genetic code. They are introduced to small-scale mutations (substitutions, deletions and insertions) and large-scale mutations (deletion duplications, inversions, insertions, translocations and nondisjunctions). The effects of different mutations are studied as well as environmental factors that may increase the likelihood of mutations. A PowerPoint® presentation and pre/post-assessments are provided.
Explore the relationship between the genetic code on the DNA strand and the resulting protein and rudimentary shape it forms. Through models of transcription and translation, you will discover this relationship and the resilience to mutations built into our genetic code. Start by exploring DNA's double helix with an interactive 3D model. Highlight base pairs, look at one or both strands, and turn hydrogen bonds on or off. Next, watch an animation of transcription, which creates RNA from DNA, and translation, which 'reads' the RNA codons to create a protein.
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:
"Animal health is of utmost importance in the production of milk, meat, and other animal products. Although vitamin supplements can help ensure livestock remain as healthy as possible, they are often expensive, driving up the cost of production. To help reduce these costs, a team of researchers set out to better understand how the essential vitamins B and K₂ are produced by microbes in the gastrointestinal tracts of ruminants, which are animals with complex digestive tracts composed of multiple distinct compartments to help them break down their plant-based diets. The team used genetic data from previous studies to identify 1,135,807 genes and 2366 full genomes involved in B or K₂ vitamin biosynthesis in the gastrointestinal tracts of seven ruminant species. They also found that most of this biosynthesis took place in the stomach compartments rather than other regions and that a high-grain diet enhanced most vitamin biosynthesis but inhibited cobalamin synthesis..."
The rest of the transcript, along with a link to the research itself, is available on the resource itself.
In this media-rich lesson, students explore some of the ethical, legal, and social issues related to personal genetic testing and genome sequencing.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:Explain how the structure of DNA reveals the replication processDescribe the Meselson and Stahl experiments
By the end of this section, you will be able to:Understand RNA splicing and explain its role in regulating gene expressionDescribe the importance of RNA stability in gene regulation
In this video excerpt from NOVA, find out how whole genome sequencing saved the life of Alexis, a fraternal twin who was originally diagnosed with cerebral palsy but, in fact, had an even rarer genetic condition.
In this video segment adapted from NOVA: Judgment Day: Intelligent Design on Trial, learn how modern genetics and molecular biology offer compelling support for evolution. The video features an interview with biologist Ken Miller.
Meiosis is the process by which gametes (eggs and sperm) are made. Gametes have only one set of chromosomes. Therefore, meiosis involves a reduction in the amount of genetic material. Each gamete has only half the chromosomes of the original germ cell. Explore meiosis with a computer model of dragons. Run meiosis, inspect the chromosomes, then choose gametes to fertilize. Predict the results of the dragon offspring and try to make a dragon without legs. Learn why all siblings do not look alike.
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:
"Obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with significant health impacts and a decrease in quality of life. Ob/ob and db/db mice are frequently used to research these disorders. Ob/ob mice do not express leptin, a hormone released from fat cells, while db/db mice do not express its receptor. These mutations impair food intake and energy expenditure, which leads to fat mass gain. Despite targeting the same hormone-receptor pair, db/db mice are more diabetic than ob/ob mice. To investigate the mechanisms behind these differences, researchers recently examined the two lines in detail. They found that total fat mass was comparable but that fat mass distribution was different. They also found very distinct inflammatory profiles: ob/ob mice had more inflammation in the liver, whereas db/db mice had a higher inflammatory tone in the subcutaneous adipose tissue..."
The rest of the transcript, along with a link to the research itself, is available on the resource itself.
By the end of this section, you will be able to:Understand the process of translation and discuss its key factorsDescribe how the initiation complex controls translationExplain the different ways in which the post-translational control of gene expression takes place
What does a technology look like that will change the world? Biotechnology has the power to alter all of our lives. The ability to manipulate genes in ways that benefit people is a powerful technology. In this lesson we will explore various benefits and applications of biotechnology. You will analyze different perspectives in the race to create biotechnology. From there you will decide how you feel about “playing with genes” and how that will impact your life.StandardsBio.B.3.2.4 Students will apply scientific thinking, processes, tools, and technologies in the study of genetics.
Short Description:
Proteins play vital roles in most biological processes; these roles include acting as catalysts for physiological reactions, as regulators for those reactions, or as structural framework around which these processes can occur. Proteins’ complex organization of diverse functionality in 3D space leads to an astonishing range of function for living organisms. Understanding this intimate relationship between structure and function is the backbone of understanding the natural world and is the key to controlling it. Data dashboard
Word Count: 13793
(Note: This resource's metadata has been created automatically by reformatting and/or combining the information that the author initially provided as part of a bulk import process.)
After watching video clips from the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire movie, students explore the use of Punnett squares to predict genetic trait inheritance. The objective of this lesson is to articulate concepts related to genetics through direct immersive interaction based on the theme, The Science Behind Harry Potter. Students' interest is piqued by the use of popular culture in the classroom.
Students reinforce their knowledge that DNA is the genetic material for all living things by modeling it using toothpicks and gumdrops that represent the four biochemicals (adenine, thiamine, guanine, and cytosine) that pair with each other in a specific pattern, making a double helix. They investigate specific DNA sequences that code for certain physical characteristics such as eye and hair color. Student teams trade DNA "strands" and de-code the genetic sequences to determine the physical characteristics (phenotype) displayed by the strands (genotype) from other groups. Students extend their knowledge to learn about DNA fingerprinting and recognizing DNA alterations that may result in genetic disorders.
The Geniverse software is being developed as part of a five-year research project funded by the National Science Foundation. Still in its early stages, a Beta version of the software is currently being piloted in six schools throughout New England. We invite you to try the current Beta version, keeping in mind that you may encounter errors or pages that are not fully functional. If you encounter any problem, it may help to refresh or reload the web page.