This cell biology lesson explains and illustrated the different phases of meiosis. Includes vocabulary and assessment links as well as othe related resources.

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.

A video investigating the hunt for the gene that causes autism. Learn how a parents crusade to help their child led to scientist finding a stretch of similar genes that may help solve the mystery about autism. [12:51]

This interactive will present the components and steps needed for a successful
PCR reaction.

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.

Polymerase Chain Reaction - or PCR - is known as one of the most ubiquitous and powerful techniques in life science laboratories. PCR is a highly sensitive and selective method to produce many copies of a particular piece of DNA. This pathway details applications of PCR, its mechanism and primer design, and demonstrates how the method is used in the lab.

Psychology is designed to meet scope and sequence requirements for the single-semester introduction to psychology course. The book offers a comprehensive treatment of core concepts, grounded in both classic studies and current and emerging research. The text also includes coverage of the DSM-5 in examinations of psychological disorders. Psychology incorporates discussions that reflect the diversity within the discipline, as well as the diversity of cultures and communities across the globe.Senior Contributing AuthorsRose M. Spielman, Formerly of Quinnipiac UniversityContributing AuthorsKathryn Dumper, Bainbridge State CollegeWilliam Jenkins, Mercer UniversityArlene Lacombe, Saint Joseph's UniversityMarilyn Lovett, Livingstone CollegeMarion Perlmutter, University of Michigan

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Explain the basic principles of the theory of evolution by natural selection
Describe the differences between genotype and phenotype
Discuss how gene-environment interactions are critical for expression of physical and psychological characteristics

Immune cell genes are sequenced after gene editing with CRISPR-Cas9. The goal is to identify a disrupted CCR5 gene in edited macrophages. Macrophages that don’t express CCR5 are resistant to HIV infection.

A GFP reporter gene is used to test CRISPR-Cas9 edited macrophages for HIV resistance.

Understand how variation can be introduced into a species. [19:52]

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 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.

Work samples, phenomena, assessment templates, and videos that directly address standard MS-LS3-1: mutations- harmful, beneficial or neutral.