Skip to main content
Toggle User Menu

HHMI BioInteractive

  • Español
  • Search
  • Log In/Create Account
  • Classroom Resources
  • Planning Tools
  • Professional Development
  • About Us

Activity for The Birth and Death of Genes

Topic
  • Genetics
  • Mutations
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Evolution
  • Natural Selection
Resource Type
  • Activities
  • Film Activities
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Favorited By
10 Users
Share This
Description

This activity explores the research presented in the short film The Making of the Fittest: The Birth and Death of Genes, which illustrates how gene duplications and mutations have allowed some fish to adapt to extreme environments.

The discovery of the Antarctic icefish has provided a stunning example of adaptation in an environment that is both hostile and abundant. Scientists Bill Detrich, Christina Cheng, and Art DeVries have pinpointed the genetic changes that enable icefish to thrive without hemoglobin and red blood cells and to avoid freezing in the icy ocean. The “Student Handout” probes students’ understanding of the key concepts addressed in the film. The “Educator Materials” document provides suggested pause points in the film with questions for students, background information, and detailed discussion points; a list of related resources and references; and an answer key for the “Student Handout.”

Student Learning Targets
  • Explain how gene duplications and mutations can provide the genetic diversity necessary for evolution.

  • Use data to make claims about how mutations and selective pressure work together to drive evolution.

Details
Estimated Time
Two 50-minute class periods.
Key Terms

Antarctic icefish, antifreeze protein, gene duplication, marine biology, mutation

Primary Literature

Chen, Liangbiao, Arthur L. DeVries, and Chi-Hing C. Cheng. “Evolution of Antifreeze Glycoprotein Gene from a Trypsinogen Gene in Antarctic Notothenioid Fish.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 94, 8 (1997): 3811–3816. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.94.8.3811.

Deng, Cheng, C.-H. Christina Cheng, Hua Ye, Ximiao He, and Liangbiao Chen. “Evolution of an Antifreeze Protein by Neofunctionalization under Escape from Adaptive Conflict.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 107, 50 (2010): 21593–21598. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1007883107.

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Version History
Date Published 03.07.11
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS1-1, HS-LS4-2, HS-LS4-4; SEP6

AP Biology (2019)

EVO-1.D, EVO-1.J, EVO-1.O, IST-4.A, IST-4.B, SYI-3.A; SP1

IB Biology (2016)

3.1, 5.2, 6.2

AP Environmental Science (2013)

II.C

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

3.2

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9-12.2, ELA.WHST.9-12.9

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1, CC2, CC5; DP1

Materials
Student Quiz (PDF) 245 KB
In-Depth Film Guide for Teachers (PDF) 364 KB
Use This Resource With
Video Resource
The Making of the Fittest: The Birth and Death of Genes

Explore Related Content

Other Resources About Icefish
Showing of
Screen shot of the icefish quiz screen
Interactive Videos
Interactive Assessment for The Birth and Death of Genes
Short Films
The Making of the Fittest: The Birth and Death of Genes
Labs & Demos
Icefish Blood Adaptations: Antifreeze Proteins
Labs & Demos
Icefish Blood Adaptations: Viscosity
Lessons
How Novel Icefish Genes Can Improve Human Health
Other Related Resources
Showing of
Screen shot of the icefish quiz screen
Interactive Videos
Interactive Assessment for The Birth and Death of Genes
Short Films
The Making of the Fittest: The Birth and Death of Genes
Labs & Demos
Icefish Blood Adaptations: Antifreeze Proteins
Labs & Demos
Icefish Blood Adaptations: Viscosity
Lessons
How Novel Icefish Genes Can Improve Human Health
Click & Learn
Recent Adaptations in Humans
Lessons
Molecular Genetics of Color Mutations in Rock Pocket Mice
Lessons
Natural Selection and Evolution of Rock Pocket Mouse Populations
Animations
Heart Function
Clips
Kidney Function

HHMI BioInteractive

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Newsletter Signup
  • HHMI.org
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy