Biochemistry and Cell Signaling Pathway of the Mc1r Gene

Topic
Resource Type
Level
High School — AP/IBCollege
Favorited By
3 Users
Description

This activity supports concepts presented in the short film Natural Selection and Adaptation about the evolution of different fur colors among rock pocket mouse populations. The activity challenges students to analyze partial DNA sequences of the Mc1r gene to identify the effects of mutations on the MC1R protein pathway.

Students will use amino acid sequences from the rock pocket mouse genome to illustrate the different levels of protein structure and the relationship between a protein’s structure and function. In addition, students analyze the MC1R signaling pathway in both light- and dark-colored rock pocket mouse populations. Through their analysis, students will come to understand concepts about cell signaling. Finally, students hypothesize how the change in sequence, and thus protein function, might directly affect the coat-color cell signaling pathway of the rock pocket mouse populations.

Student Learning Targets

  • Use an amino acid class chart to determine whether an amino acid in a protein sequence is nonpolar, polar, acidic, or basic.

  • Analyze amino acid data to hypothesize how changes in the sequence of the MC1R protein domains might affect the function of the protein.

  • Analyze amino acid data to hypothesize how the change in sequence and thus protein function might affect the coat color of rock pocket mouse populations.

Details
Estimated Time
One to two 50-minute class periods.
Key Terms

basic, cell signaling, coat color, extracellular, G-protein, hydrophilic, intracellular, membrane, melanocortin 1, missense, mutation, natural selection, nonpolar, nonsense, polar, receptor, signaling pathway

Terms of Use

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

Version History
Date Created
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS1-1, HS-LS3-1; SEP2

AP Biology (2015)

3.A.1, 3.D.1, 3.D.3, 4.A.1, 4.B.1; SP1, SP7

IB Biology (2016)

1.3, 2.4, 3.1, 7.3

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9–12.4, ELA.RST.9–12.6

Vision and Change (2009)

CC2, CC3; DP3

Educator Tips

Hear how educators are using BioInteractive content in their teaching.
Educator in front of an image of a brown mouse on a lava flow Play Video Next Slide Next Slide
/
1-Minute Tips
Rock Pocket Mouse Resources
Ann Brokaw presents three BioInteractive resources she uses to support the short film "Natural Selection and Adaptation."
View Article
Previous Slide Next Slide
1
Close Modal

Explore Related Content

Other Resources About Rock Pocket Mice
Showing of
Interactive Videos
Interactive Questions for Natural Selection and Adaptation
Animations
Rock Pocket Mice and Predation
Animations
Simulating Evolution of a Rock Pocket Mouse Population
Screenshot of mouse fur evolution animation
Lessons
Developing an Explanation for Mouse Fur Color
Short Films
The Making of the Fittest: Natural Selection and Adaptation
Film Activities
Activity for Natural Selection and Adaptation
Card Activities
Color Variation Over Time in Rock Pocket Mouse Populations
Lessons
Allele and Phenotype Frequencies in Rock Pocket Mouse Populations
Lessons
Molecular Genetics of Color Mutations in Rock Pocket Mice
Lessons
Natural Selection and Evolution of Rock Pocket Mouse Populations
Other Related Resources
Showing of
Animations
Role of p53 in Transcription
Animations
The Mammalian Biological Clock
Animations
The Drosophila Biological Clock
Animations
Mismatch Repair
Animations
Sickle Cell Disease
Animations
Natural Selection for Lactose Tolerance
3D Models
BCR-ABL
3D Models
Gleevec-Resistant BCR-ABL
3D Models
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
Animations
How DNA Is Packaged