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The p53 Gene and Cancer

Start Interactive
Computer illustration of p53 molecule

Topic

  • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
  • Macromolecules
  • DNA & RNA
  • Genetics
  • Genetic Disease

Resource Type

  • Interactive Media
  • Click & Learn

Level

High School — AP/IBCollege
Saved By
25 Users
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Description

This tutorial describes the structure and function of the p53 protein, how its activity is regulated in cells, and how mutant versions of p53 can lead to cancer.

The Click & Learn presents different types of genes that, when mutated, contribute to cancer, including oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and DNA repair genes. It then explores one tumor suppressor gene, p53, and its role in cancer in more depth. Students learn about the structure of the protein encoded by p53 and how it normally functions to regulate cell division.

The accompanying worksheets guide students’ exploration. The “Overview Worksheet” provides an introduction to p53 and its role in cancer. The “Advanced Worksheet” challenges students to explore these ideas in greater depth, including how p53 interacts with other molecules in the cell.

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

  • Describe the structure-function relationship of each of p53’s domains.
  • Explain how the expression and function of p53 is regulated in the cell.
  • Explain how a mutated version of the p53 gene can lead to cancer.

Estimated Time

One to two 50-minute class periods, depending on the amount of in-class discussion and which worksheet is used.

Key Terms

cell death, cell division, complexing domain, DNA binding domain, Mdm2, proteasome, regulation, transactivation domain, transcription factor, tumor

Terms of Use

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

Version History

Date Published 02.28.03
Date Updated 04.30.20

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS1.A, HS-LS1.B

AP Biology (2019)

IST-1.D, IST-1.E, IST-2.B, IST-2.C, IST-3.F, IST-3.G; SP1, SP2

IB Biology (2016)

1.6, 7.2

Vision and Change (2009)

CC2

Materials

Resource Google Folder (link)
Overview Worksheet (PDF) 297 KB
Advanced Worksheet (PDF) 296 KB

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