This cell biology lesson explains and illustrated the different phases of meiosis. Includes vocabulary and assessment links as well as othe related resources.
Look at the molecular structure of DNA. Investigate nucleotides, nitrogenous bases, and phosphates. [13:00]
Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.
Learn the molecular structure of DNA including the nucleotide, nitrogenous base, and phosphate. [13:00]
Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.
Students perform an activity similar to the childhood “telephone” game in which each communication step represents a biological process related to the passage of DNA from one cell to another. This game tangibly illustrates how DNA mutations can happen over several cell generations and the effects the mutations can have on the proteins that cells need to produce. Next, students use the results from the “telephone” game (normal, substitution, deletion or insertion) to test how the mutation affects the survivability of an organism in the wild. Through simple enactments, students act as “predators” and “eat” (remove) the organism from the environment, demonstrating natural selection based on mutation.
Students learn about mutations to both DNA and chromosomes, and uncontrolled changes to the genetic code. They are introduced to small-scale mutations (substitutions, deletions and insertions) and large-scale mutations (deletion duplications, inversions, insertions, translocations and nondisjunctions). The effects of different mutations are studied as well as environmental factors that may increase the likelihood of mutations. A PowerPoint® presentation and pre/post-assessments are provided.
Discover how mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited, and complete a pedigree chart by determining which individuals might share mtDNA with an unknown ancestor.
Which dictates our existence? Is it our genetic makeup or the environment we grow up in? Kevin Davies offers an update on this long-standing debate, from the NOVA: "Cracking the Code of Life" Web site.
This link has many tools to help understand the revolutionary sciences and discoveries in genetics.
This pathway provides an introduction to nucleic acids and their role in providing heritable information in cells. For a deeper look at this topic, we recommend the pathway DNA Structure and Function from the OpenStax textbook Biology for AP® Courses.
This interactive outlines the nature of nucleotide base-pairing and the structure of DNA
Explore the form and function of three of the most important cell parts -- the nucleus, cytoplasm, and membrane -- in this video segment adapted from Carolina Biological Supply's "An Introduction to the Living Cell". [3:47]
Simple animation explains the function of chromosomes, genes, and DNA by letting you zoom into a cell nucleus for a closer look.
In this video segment from An Introduction to the Living Cell, explore the inner workings of a cell, including some of its most important organelles. [3:47]
Website for the PBS series "A Science Odyssey." Numerous opportunities to explore the people and discoveries of science.
This site is a must see for any lesson or unit on biotechnology! It is a companion to the PBS video "Bloodlines: Technology Hits Home," although it can certainly be used without the video. It's a fantastic site that will challenge students to think about their opinions in several ethical dilemmas. There is a timeline of genetic and reproductive technology and more.
PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, is a powerful lab technique used to generate billions of copies of a specific stretch of DNA. This video animation illustrates the process of PCR.
This lab video demonstrates how to perform a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) in the laboratory setting.
This interactive will present the rules for designing precise nucleotide sequences
called PCR primers. Designing primers for a PCR reaction is an important step
because the way they bind to the template DNA dictates much of the success of
the PCR reaction.
Build a gene network. The lac operon is a set of genes which are responsible for the metabolism of lactose in some bacterial cells. Explore the effects of mutations within the lac operon by adding or removing genes from the DNA.
