This scrollable interactive shows why a technique like gel electrophoresis is needed to sort different size DNA molecules, including both linear DNA and circular DNA plasmids. The interactive also discusses why it is not always possible to judge the size of a circular piece of DNA from the distance it runs on a gel.

Read about the 1959 co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology -- Severo Ochoa -- who contributed to the "discovery of the mechanisms in the biological synthesis of ribonucleic acid and deoxyribobucleic acid."

At this site download and read Severo Ochoa's Nobel Lecture entitled "Enzymatic synthesis of ribonucleic acid," which was originally given December 11, 1959. Lecture is available in pdf format.

This scrollable interactive takes users on a tour of the DNA double helix, explaining how nucleotide base pairing leads to DNA's unique shape. Gel electrophoresis is also introduced as a technique that can help sort and estimate the size of both linear and circular DNA molecules.

This lesson presents how the structure and function of nucleic acids pertain to living things. It is 2 of 2 in the series titled "Structure and Function of Macromolecules: Nucleic Acids."

This video explains how DNA works and what it does, relating it to an instruction manual for building an organism. [4:29] Followed by a short quiz and a list of additional resources to explore.

Video explains how mice, coyotes, and newts can show signs of evolution, even in a big city such as New York. [5:16] Includes a brief quiz and a list of additional resources to explore.

Your genome, every human's genome, consists of a unique DNA sequence of A's, T's, C's and G's that tell your cells how to operate. Thanks to technological advances, scientists are now able to know the sequence of letters that makes up an individual genome relatively quickly and inexpensively. This learning module takes an in-depth look at the science behind the sequence. [5:05]

Imagine something small enough to float on a particle of dust that holds the keys to understanding cancer, virology, and genetics. Luckily for us, such a thing exists in the form of trillions upon trillions of human, lab-grown cells called HeLa. But where did we get these cells? Robin Bulleri tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose DNA led to countless cures, patents, and discoveries. [4:26]

This pathway introduces you to the virtual lab simulations available on LabXchange, and how these simulations can be used to teach lab skills like gel electrophoresis.

Provides detailed explanation of DNA's structure and function. Includes illustrations.

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.

This simulation investigates how well three designed gRNAs facilitate the
cutting of a target gene by CRISPR-Cas9.

This pathway introduces the micropipette, an instrument used to measure small volumes of liquid, and provides an opportunity to practice using this tool. This pathway also supports ABE Lab 1.1: How to Use a Micropipette.

This scrollable interactive reviews how the information in a DNA molecule is transcribed to create a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule in prokaryotic cells.

This site opens with an excellent introduction to Cytogenetics. Explore this site to learn about chromosomes, human karyotypes and more.

A three-day unit introduces heredity by helping students identify their own genetic traits and then leading them in an exploration of generational traits and variation. Find printable worksheets, data tables, and graphs, as well as options for adapting this middle-school lesson to the needs of younger and older students.

This lesson focuses on the molecular biology technique of DNA fingerprinting: what it is, how it works, and how the data from these experiments are used for paternity testing and forensics. [45:48]

In this teaching video, high school teachers Anu Deshpande and Aaron Matthieu explain what a plasmid is and why it is a useful tool in biotechnology.

This video segment from NOVA: "Cracking the Code of Life" examines the social and ethical implications of genome research. [4 min, 8 sec]

Students use DNA profiling to determine who robbed a bank. After they learn how the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is used to match crime scene DNA with tissue sample DNA, students use CODIS principles and sample DNA fragments to determine which of three suspects matches evidence obtain at a crime location. They communicate their results as if they were biomedical engineers reporting to a police crime scene investigation.