How Do Some Cells Affect Mouse Color?

In this phenomenon-driven activity, students investigate how cells are signaled to make melanin and explain how mutations in melanin pathway proteins affect the coat color of various organisms.

This activity is based on content covered in the short film The Making of the Fittest: Natural Selection and Adaptation. Students make predictions based on the rock pocket mouse fur color phenomenon, observe models of the MC1R protein and its amino acid sequences, and explore the pathway for the biosynthesis of melanin in melanocytes. They transfer what learn about melanin production to interpreting the genotypes and phenotypes of other mammals.

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