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Regulation of the Lactase Gene

Launch Interactive
Topic
  • Genetics
  • Gene Expression & Regulation
  • Evolution
  • Human Evolution
Resource Type
  • Interactive Media
  • Click & Learn
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Used In
1 BioInteractive Playlists
Favorited By
18 Users
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Description

This interactive module explores how the process of eukaryotic gene expression is regulated, using the production of the enzyme lactase as an example.  

Eukaryotic gene expression can be regulated by several processes, including transcriptional regulation, RNA processing, translational regulation, and protein processing and degradation. In this Click & Learn, students review these different process and then explore the regulation of the LCT gene, which encodes lactase. Lactase is the enzyme that digests lactose, a sugar in milk. Genetic variations that cause the production of lactase to continue into adulthood result in lactase persistence, a recent evolutionary adaptation in humans.

The accompanying worksheet guides students’ exploration.

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

Explain the molecular mechanism of lactase persistence in humans.

Details
Estimated Time
One 50-minute class period.
Key Terms

activator, alternative splicing, enhancer, proteasome, repressor, RNA interference (RNAi), RNA polymerase, transcription factor, ubiquitin

Terms of Use

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

Accessibility Level

This resource complies with accessibility standards in accordance with the final rule for Section 508 of the National Rehabilitation Act.
Version History
Date Published 02.27.11
Date Updated 05.01.20
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS4-4; SEP6, SEP7

AP Biology (2019)

EVO-1.C, EVO-1.D, EVO-1.H, EVO-1.J, EVO-1.K, EVO-1.O, IST-2.A, IST-2.B, IST-2.C, IST-2.D; SP1

IB Biology (2016)

3.1, 5.1,10.3

AP Environmental Science (2013)

II.C

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

2.1

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9-12.2, ELA.WHST.9-12.9

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1, CC2; DP1

Materials
Resource Google Folder (link)
Worksheet (PDF) 141 KB

Educator Tips

Hear how educators are using BioInteractive content in their teaching.
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1-Minute Tips
Regulation of the Lactase Gene
Fred Wasserman describes how he uses the BioInteractive "Regulation of the Lactase Gene" Click & Learn activity with his Intro Bio university students. He uses it as a clear-cut example of how humans have evolved.
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