Interactive Case Study for The Search for a Mutated Gene

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Topic

Resource Type

Level

High School — AP/IB College

Saved By

39 Users

Description

This video case study explores the approaches scientists used to identify a mutation that causes retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a progressive disease that leads to blindness.

RP results in the deterioration of the retina and loss of vision. Some cases of RP are inherited and caused by mutations in one of several different genes. Many mutations that cause RP have been identified. But when scientists tested the DNA of the patient featured in this video, Sam, they did not find any of these known mutations. The video follows physician-scientist Edward Stone as he tried to uncover the mutation that causes Sam’s RP.

This video incorporates embedded questions at automatic pause points, where students are asked to make predictions, construct explanations, and analyze data. After answering all the questions, students can view their answers in a “Report” that can be printed. They can also add further explanation to each answer in the Report if their thinking has changed. The video can also be shown without embedded questions using "Presentation Mode."

Student Learning Targets

Formulate a hypothesis to explain how a mutation in a gene would affect the function of a cell and an organism.
Describe the possible steps involved in identifying a disease-causing gene mutation in a patient.
Predict how replacing a mutated gene with a functioning copy of that gene will affect the phenotype of a cell and/or organism.
Explain how the identification of disease-causing mutations can be used to develop medical treatments.

Estimated Time

Within one 50-minute class period.

Key Terms

genetic disease, genomics, model organism, mutation, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), tRNA

Primary Literature

DeLuca, Adam P., S. Scott Whitmore, Jenna Barnes, Tasneem P. Sharma, Trudi A. Westfall, C. Anthony Scott, Matthew C. Weed, et al. “Hypomorphic mutations in TRNT1 cause retinitis pigmentosa with erythrocytic microcytosis.” Human Molecular Genetics 25, 1 (2016): 44–56. https://doi.org/10.1093/hmg/ddv446.