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“Fixing” Gene Expression

Illustration of DNA transcription from the activity

Topic

  • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
  • DNA & RNA
  • Genetics
  • Gene Expression & Regulation
  • Genetic Disease

Resource Type

  • Activities
  • Card Activities

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Used In
3 BioInteractive Playlists
Saved By
62 Users
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Description

In this hands-on activity, students review the steps of eukaryotic gene expression and learn how this knowledge can be used to treat different genetic conditions. The activity reinforces concepts covered in the Click & Learn “Central Dogma and Genetic Medicine.”

The flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein represents the way most genes are expressed in eukaryotic cells. It is also referred to as the central dogma of molecular biology. Students will review the central dogma by sorting cards that illustrate the molecules involved in transcription, RNA processing, and translation. They will then suggest ways to intervene in this pathway to treat different genetic conditions, including cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, and sickle cell disease.

The “Card Images” ZIP file contains individual image files for the cards used in this activity that can be used in the classroom, particularly in online courses. A document within the ZIP file contains suggestions for their use. These card images are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CCC BY-NC-SA 4.0) license. We would ask that you attribute these to BioInteractive and not use them for commercial purposes.

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

  • Organize the steps of eukaryotic gene expression and identify the primary molecules involved in each step.
  • Predict possible intervention strategies for different genetic conditions.
  • Investigate cutting-edge technologies used in current research to develop treatments.

Estimated Time

Two 50-minute class periods.

Key Terms

exon, genetic medicine, genotype, intron, mRNA, mutation, phenotype, protein, RNA splicing, transcription, translation

Terms of Use

The resource is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license. No rights are granted to use HHMI’s or BioInteractive’s names or logos independent from this Resource or in any derivative works.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

PDF files partially meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 03.21.18
Date Updated 04.09.20

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS1-1, HS-LS3-1, HS-LS3-2; SEP2, SEP6

AP Biology (2019)

IST-1.I, IST-1.N, IST-1.O, IST-1.P, IST-2.D, IST-2.E, IST-4.A, SYI-1.C, SYI-3.C; SP1, SP2, SP6

IB Biology (2016)

2.4, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 7.2, 7.3, B.4

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9-12.4, ELA.RST.9–12.9, ELA.WHST.9–12.9

Vision and Change (2009)

CC2, CC3; DP1, DP3

Materials

Resource Google Folder (Link)
Educator Materials (PDF) 360 KB
Student Handout (PDF) 400 KB
Cards with labels (PDF) 5 MB
Cards without labels (PDF) 5 MB
Card Images (ZIP) 1 MB

Additional Materials

  • a set of central dogma cards with or without labels
  • a computer connected to the Internet to access the Click & Learn

Use This Resource With

Interactive Media Resource
Central Dogma and Genetic Medicine

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