“Fixing” Gene Expression

Resource Type
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
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)
Version History
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