Chain Reaction Review Students collectively define and connect key terms on the board, forming a chain of explanations. Each student adds to the chain by linking terms and explaining their relationships. The class reviews the chain to clarify connections and enhance comprehension of the topic.
DNA + Genes + Inheritance DNA, the blueprint for life, contains genes that act like instructions. These genes are passed down from parents to offspring through inheritance, determining the traits an organism inherits.
Chromosomes + Genes + Reproduction Chromosomes, tightly coiled strands of DNA, house our genes, which are the instructions for our traits. During reproduction, these chromosomes are shuffled and halved, with one set coming from each parent. This unique combination of genes passed on determines the characteristics of the offspring.
T-chart Video Analysis Students will be watching a video about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and their manifestations in the human body. After that they will create a T-chart analysis answering the following questions:
T-chart Video Analysis Guide Questions a. What is the genetic disorder discussed in the video and in the article? How do they manifest in individuals? b. What specific genetic mutation causes the disorder and what is believed to be the psychoactive substance causing the mutation? c. How do genetic disorders impact the lives of individuals and their families, both medically and emotionally?
Our Target! MELC: Explain how mutations may cause changes in the structure and function of a protein (S10LT-llle-38) 1.) Identify types of gene mutations and explain how each mutation can potentially impact the resulting protein and, consequently, the organism's characteristics. 2.) Create informative presentation explaining the concept of gene mutations and their potential effects on organisms . 3.) Engage in a respectful exchange of arguments about whole genome sequencing (WGS) on fetal cells, considering the potential benefits and risks based on scientific evidence.
Directed Reading Activity Each group will be given worksheets that includes the article about their assigned topic and the guide questions that they will answer to check their understanding. Group 1: Sickle Cell Anemia Group 2: Beta Thalassemia Group 3: Cystic Fibrosis Group 4: Opitz- Kaveggia syndrome Group 5: Cancer Group 6: Leukemia
Directed Reading Activity They will then create a chart presenting what they have learned from activity. The contents of the chart are indicated below: a.) Name of the disorder/disease b.) Cause (Genetic Mutation) c.) Effects (Signs and Symptoms)
Directed Reading Activity Reminders: 1. You'll have a set amount of time at each station. Read the information, look at any visuals, and answer the guide questions. 2. Take notes on what you find interesting, important, or confusing. Discuss your observations with your group members at the station. 3. When the time is up, quietly move to the next station as a group, following the designated route or station numbers.
Directed Reading Activity GUIDE QUESTIONS: 1.) How do the causes of these mutations (e.g., type of mutation, affected gene) differ from your assigned disorder? 2.) Review the cause-and-effect sections of the other groups' charts. Are the effects of the mutations clearly explained? Do the charts provide enough information to understand how the mutation impacts a person? 3.) Has this activity changed your understanding of the diversity of genetic mutation disorders? Explain why or why not.
Gene Mutation
Mutations , or changes in the nucleotide sequence of the DNA can happen during replication , transcription , or translation . These damaged DNA is formed either by substitution, deletion, or insertion of base pairs . A change in DNA structure will ultimately change protein structures which changes its function. Mutations are commonly harmless , but sometimes, they lead to cell death or tumor formations .
Mutations may be caused by the following: errors in DNA replication process, chemical damages to the DNA because of mutagens or chemicals that are capable of damaging DNA, and radiation such as ionizing radiations of gamma rays, x-rays, or even UV light.
Types of Mutation
Germline mutations occur in gametes, the sex cells, such as eggs and sperm. These mutations are especially significant because they can be transmitted to offspring and every cell in the offspring will have the mutations. Somatic mutations occur in other cells of the body. These mutations may have little effect on the organism because they are confined to just one cell and its daughter cells. Somatic mutations also cannot be passed on to offspring. There are a variety of types of mutations. Two major categories of mutations are germline mutations and somatic mutations .
Chromosomal alterations are mutations that change chromosome structure or number. They occur when a section of a chromosome breaks off and rejoins incorrectly or does not rejoin at all. Chromosomal alterations are very serious. They often result in the death of the organism in which they occur. If the organism survives, it may be affected in multiple ways. Mutations also differ in the way that the genetic material is changed . Mutations may change an entire chromosome or just one or a few nucleotides .
A point mutation is a change in a single nucleotide in DNA. This type of mutation is usually less serious than a chromosomal alteration. An example of a point mutation is a mutation that changes the codon UUU to the codon UCU. Point mutations can be silent, missense, or nonsense mutations. The effects of point mutations depend on how they change the genetic code. Mutations also differ in the way that the genetic material is changed . Mutations may change an entire chromosome or just one or a few nucleotides .
Mutations also differ in the way that the genetic material is changed . Mutations may change an entire chromosome or just one or a few nucleotides .
A frameshift mutation is a deletion or insertion of one or more nucleotides that changes the reading frame of the base sequence. Deletions remove nucleotides, and insertions add nucleotides. Mutations also differ in the way that the genetic material is changed . Mutations may change an entire chromosome or just one or a few nucleotides .
AUG-AAU-ACG-GCU = methionine-asparagine-threonine-alanine Now assume that an insertion occurs in this sequence. Let’s say an A nucleotide is inserted after the start codon AUG. Then the sequence of bases becomes: AUG-AAA-UAC-GGC-U = methionine-lysine-tyrosine-glycine Even though the rest of the sequence is unchanged, this insertion changes the reading frame and thus all of the codons that follow it. As this example shows, a frameshift mutation can dramatically change how the codons in mRNA are read. This can have a drastic effect on the protein product.
After each group have learned the assigned genetic disorder from other groups and answered the guide questions, based on their understanding of the implications of gene mutation and how mutations may cause changes in the structure and function of a protein, students will write a claim answering the essential question of the day and they will provide evidence that will serve as their reason for writing their claims. CER (Claim-Evidence-Reasoning)
Essential Question of the day Should all expectant parents undergo whole genome sequencing (WGS) for genetic mutations in their fetus, and if a serious genetic disorder is detected, should they have the right to terminate the pregnancy? CER (Claim-Evidence-Reasoning)
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) CER (Claim-Evidence-Reasoning) Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a comprehensive method for analyzing entire genomes . Genomic information has been instrumental in identifying inherited disorders, characterizing the mutations that drive cancer progression, and tracking disease outbreaks.
Are all gene mutations harmful?
Increased immunity Adaptation to environment Favorable Mutations Mutations in certain genes can enhance an organism's immune system, making it more resistant to specific diseases or infections. For instance, a mutation in a gene called CCR5 can make some people resistant to HIV infection. Mutations can allow organisms to adapt to changes in their environment. For example, the peppered moth in England changed its coloration from light to dark during the Industrial Revolution due to a mutation. This darker coloration provided camouflage against the sooty environment, increasing their survival rate.
Lactose tolerance Sickle cell trait Favorable Mutations The ability to digest lactose (milk sugar) as adults is a result of a mutation that arose in some human populations. This mutation allowed them to continue consuming milk beyond infancy, providing an additional source of nutrients. While sickle cell disease is a serious genetic disorder, inheriting one copy of the mutated gene (sickle cell trait) can be beneficial in some regions. This trait offers some protection against malaria, a deadly parasitic disease.
This is a specific strategy where students are presented with a prompt or image, then individually brainstorm what they see, what they think about it, and what they wonder about the connections to other concepts. See-Think-Wonder
Sentence Frames: "Looking at the pictures in order, it seems like picture A shows _______, then picture B shows _______, which leads to _______ in picture C." "The sequence of the pictures suggests that _______ (event in picture A) causes _______ (event in picture B), and ultimately results in _______ (event in picture C)." "Picture A and picture B seem to be connected because _______ (detail in picture A) affects _______ (detail in picture B). This likely leads to _______ (what picture C shows)." "Although the pictures seem different at first glance, they all connect to the theme of _______ because _______ (detail in picture A) relates to _______ (detail in picture B), and they both contribute to _______ (theme in picture C)."
Sentence Frames: "Looking at the pictures in order, it seems like picture A shows _______, then picture B shows _______, which leads to _______ in picture C." "The sequence of the pictures suggests that _______ (event in picture A) causes _______ (event in picture B), and ultimately results in _______ (event in picture C)." "Picture A and picture B seem to be connected because _______ (detail in picture A) affects _______ (detail in picture B). This likely leads to _______ (what picture C shows)." "Although the pictures seem different at first glance, they all connect to the theme of _______ because _______ (detail in picture A) relates to _______ (detail in picture B), and they both contribute to _______ (theme in picture C)."
Our Target! MELC: Explain how mutations may cause changes in the structure and function of a protein (S10LT-llle-38) 1.) Identify types of gene mutations and explain how each mutation can potentially impact the resulting protein and, consequently, the organism's characteristics. 2.) Create informative presentation explaining the concept of gene mutations and their potential effects on organisms . 3.) Engage in a respectful exchange of arguments about whole genome sequencing (WGS) on fetal cells, considering the potential benefits and risks based on scientific evidence.
QUIZ TIME! This quiz is your chance to showcase your learning! Read each multiple-choice question thoroughly and take your time. Recall the important ideas and terms we discussed in class. Remember to answer honestly and independently – everyone learns at their own pace. Good luck!
Assignment Psychoactive substances are chemicals that alter mood, perception, and behavior. They can be legal (caffeine, nicotine) or illegal (cocaine, heroin). These substances can have a significant impact on the human body, including the brain and nervous system. This assignment will explore the potential effects of psychoactive substances on human genes. 1. Choose a specific psychoactive substance (legal or illegal) and research its potential effects on the human genome. 2. Focus on current scientific studies exploring if and how this substance might cause mutations in genes. 3. Write a summary (2-3 paragraphs) of your findings, including: The chosen substance and its general effects. Specific details about the potential for mutations (types of mutations, affected genes, etc.) based on your research. Cite the sources you used (scientific articles, credible websites).
Thanks! Do you have any questions?
DNA + RNA + Protein DNA acts as the master plan, storing the instructions for building proteins. RNA serves as the messenger, carrying this information from DNA to the protein-building machinery. Proteins, the workhorses of the cell, perform most cellular functions based on the instructions they receive.
SUGAR Nucleotides are the basic units of DNA, composed of a phosphate group (P), a sugar (deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base (A, C, G, or T) that encodes genetic information. Nucleotides P
DNA is the molecule that forms genes, and multiple genes are grouped into chromosomes. Chromosomes are present in the nucleus of every cell and contain all the genetic information of an organism. DNA, genes, and chromosomes:
Genes and chromosomes
Chromosome Chromosomes are structures formed by DNA and proteins that house multiple genes in the cell nucleus. Genes Genes are segments of DNA that contain instructions for protein synthesis and determine hereditary traits. Same, but different
19th Century A scientist conducted experiments with peas that revealed patterns of inheritance. However, he did not know that these patterns were related to DNA. 20th Century In the 20th century, it was discovered that DNA is the molecule that carries genetic information. This revolutionized genetics and biology. At present DNA sequencing and genetic engineering enable a deep study of genes and their influence on inheritance. Where are we now?
What makes us different or similar This is the biological process through which organisms transmit genetic traits, such as physical traits and behavior patterns, to their offspring by transferring genetic material, which may include DNA or RNA in the case of various organisms. This transmission of genetic information contributes to the continuity and diversity of species on Earth.
Genetic transmission Inheritance involves the transmission of genetic information from parents to offspring, determining characteristics in the progeny. Diversity of traits Through inheritance, biological traits are perpetuated and diversified in all species on Earth. Continuity of species Inheritance is essential for the continuity and adaptation of species over generations.