Skip to main content
Toggle User Menu

HHMI BioInteractive

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

Building a Paper Model of CRISPR-Cas9

Photo of the paper model in action
Topic
  • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
  • Enzymes & Reactions
  • DNA & RNA
  • Biotechnology
Resource Type
  • Activities
  • Labs & Demos
Level
High School — AP/IBCollege
Used In
1 BioInteractive Playlists
Favorited By
15 Users
Share This
Description

In this hands-on activity, students build a paper model to explore how CRISPR-Cas9 is used to edit genes.

CRISPR-Cas9, commonly referred to as just CRISPR, is often mentioned in the news for its potential to treat genetic diseases. In this activity, students explore and learn about this biotechnology tool by building a two-dimensional paper model of the CRISPR system. They then apply their knowledge of complementary base pairing to model how CRISPR targets specific DNA sequences. Students are asked to compare their paper model to an online three-dimensional model. In an optional extension, students watch and reflect on videos of scientists explaining how they use CRISPR in their research.

The “Resource Google Folder” link directs to a Google Drive folder of resource documents in the Google Docs format. Not all downloadable documents for the resource may be available in this format. The Google Drive folder is set as “View Only”; to save a copy of a document in this folder to your Google Drive, open that document, then select File → “Make a copy.” These documents can be copied, modified, and distributed online following the Terms of Use listed in the “Details” section below, including crediting BioInteractive.

Student Learning Targets
  • Apply knowledge of DNA structure, function, and base pairing to describe how CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to inactivate and edit genes.
  • Compare two different models of a biological process.
  • Explore different types of research projects that apply CRISPR-Cas9 technology (extension).
     
Details
Estimated Time
One to two 50-minute class periods.
Key Terms

base pairing, complementary sequence, DNA repair, gene editing, gene inactivation, gene knockout, guide RNA, homology-directed repair (HDR), nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), nuclease

Primary Literature

Ma, Hong, Nuria Marti-Gutierrez, Sang-Wook Park, Jun Wu, Yeonmi Lee, Keiichiro Suzuki, Amy Koski, et al. “Correction of a pathogenic gene mutation in human embryos.” Nature 548, 7668 (2017): 413–419. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature23305. 

Terms of Use

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

Accessibility Level

The documents for this resource meet accessibility standards in accordance with the final rule for Section 508 of the National Rehabilitation Act.
Version History
Date Published 02.25.20
Date Updated 04.13.20
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS3-1, HS-LS3-2; SEP2

AP Biology (2019)

IST-1.L, IST-1.N, IST-1.P, IST-2.E, IST-4.A; SP2

IB Biology (2016)

2.6, 3.5, 7.2, B.4

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9–12.3, ELA.RST.9–12.9

Vision and Change (2009)

CC2, CC3; DP3

Materials
Resource Google Folder (link)
Educator Materials (PDF) 381 KB
Student Handout (PDF) 832 KB
Cas9 Model Sheet (JPG) 1 MB
RNA and DNA Model Sheet (JPG) 736 KB
Additional Materials
  • scissors
  • clear tape
Related Science News
Science Says: Gene editing widely used in range of research
Chinese researcher claims first gene-edited babies
Doctors try CRISPR gene editing for cancer, a 1st in the US
A gene-editing first: scientists tried CRISPR to fight HIV
Doctors try 1st CRISPR editing in the body for blindness

Explore Related Content

Other Resources About the Central Dogma
Showing of
Short Films
The Double Helix
Click & Learn
Central Dogma and Genetic Medicine
Card Activities
“Fixing” Gene Expression
Animations
The Chemical Structure of DNA
Animations
Building Blocks of DNA
Animations
Coding Sequences in DNA
Animations
Human Chromosomes
Animations
RNA Splicing
Animations
Paired DNA Strands
Animations
DNA Transcription (Basic Detail)
Other Resources About CRISPR
Showing of
Photo of a painted lady butterfly
Lessons
Using CRISPR to Identify the Functions of Butterfly Genes
Photo of a butterfly wing
Lessons
Winging It: Analyzing a Scientific Paper
Click & Learn
Central Dogma and Genetic Medicine
Click & Learn
CRISPR-Cas9 Mechanism & Applications
Other Related Resources
Showing of
Virtual Labs
Immunology Virtual Lab
Animations
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Phylogenetic tree of cone snails
Click & Learn
Creating Phylogenetic Trees from DNA Sequences
Click & Learn
DNA Sequence Assembly
Photo of a painted lady butterfly
Lessons
Using CRISPR to Identify the Functions of Butterfly Genes
Click & Learn
RNA Interference
Animations
DNA Cloning with Plasmids
Animations
Human Genome Sequencing
Animations
Sanger Sequencing
Animations
Shotgun Sequencing
This Resource Appears in the Following Playlists
Showing of
hhmi-card
Teaching an Online Introductory Biology Lab Using Cellular and Molecular Biology Resources
14 Resources
By: BioInteractive

HHMI BioInteractive

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