Students reinforce their knowledge that DNA is the genetic material for all living things by modeling it using toothpicks and gumdrops that represent the four biochemicals (adenine, thiamine, guanine, and cytosine) that pair with each other in a specific pattern, making a double helix. They investigate specific DNA sequences that code for certain physical characteristics such as eye and hair color. Student teams trade DNA "strands" and de-code the genetic sequences to determine the physical characteristics (phenotype) displayed by the strands (genotype) from other groups. Students extend their knowledge to learn about DNA fingerprinting and recognizing DNA alterations that may result in genetic disorders.

Use this tutorial as an introduction to DNA cloning and recombinant DNA. [11:08]

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.

In this video, learn about genetic counselors and their role in helping people to interpret this newly available information.

As a class, students work through an example showing how DNA provides the "recipe" for making our body proteins. They see how the pattern of nucleotide bases (adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine) forms the double helix ladder shape of DNA, and serves as the code for the steps required to make genes. They also learn some ways that engineers and scientists are applying their understanding of DNA in our world.

The human genome project was established to determine the sequence of DNA bases that are found in each human cell. Understanding what the resulting proteins do is an entirely different project. This page is about how we are trying to understand what the human genome means, and includes animations, pictures, video, biographical information, and quiz questions that are accessed by clicking on buttons along the bottom.

David Reese is executive vice president of research and development for the Amgen Corporation. On this episode of The Xchange, David helps demystify the process of drug development, discusses the unique challenges that COVID-19 presents, and shares his thoughts on STEM career paths today. Join us for “From a Molecule to a Medicine” on the Xchange. A new virtual interview series from LabXchange at Harvard University, the Xchange showcases the diverse roles, projects, and initiatives that make up the intersecting fields of science, education, and health. Hosted by LabXchange Faculty Director Robert Lue, our first season features a range of perspectives on the impact of COVID-19.

To reinforce students' understanding of the human digestion process, the functions of several stomach and small intestine fluids are analyzed, and the concept of simulation is introduced through a short, introductory demonstration of how these fluids work. Students learn what simulation means and how it relates to the engineering process, particularly in biomedical engineering. The teacher demo requires vinegar, baking soda, water and aspirin.

In this video, discover why evolution is important to our understanding of disease prevention and treatment in Russia and around the world.

This pathway explores innovations in biotechnology that have revolutionized aspects of modern life like agriculture, forensics and medicine.

Review the risks, benefits, hopes, and fears associated with biotechnology and bioengineered food crops. Find in-depth interviews with genetic scientists, food industry representatives, farmers, and critics of biotechnology. Accompanying interactives let you compare traditional and transgenic methods of breeding plants and examine new ideas for genetically modified foods now in development.

What are GMOs? How is genetic modification done? Can genetic modification help to reduce the impact of human activities on natural systems? Plasmids are DNA that determine the traits of bacteria. Transform bacteria by inserting a plasmid and examine the results of this transformation. Compare this process to the techniques currently used in food production.

Taking advantage of fluorescence has greatly increased the arsenal of laboratory techniques to study biological processes.

This simulation introduces gel electrophoresis, a technique used to
separate biological molecules. In this simulation, gel electrophoresis is
used to separate dyes and visualize them in an agarose gel.

Join us for a talk on gene cloning by Richard Sherwood, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Molecular cloning is essential to research in genetics and cell biology. Dr. Sherwood will share how his lab uses molecular cloning to power their work in genetics and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Recorded live July 28, 2020.

Part of a series exploring the biotechnology of gene therapy. This section takes a look at some of the challenges faced in gene therapy and complications that have resulted during trial research.

This video examines the threat of a virus being spread from birds to humans, and then from humans to humans. It details the mechanisms viruses use to infect cells, and explores how mutations in a virus may change its virulence and how it can spread. It also looks at work being done with a re-created flu virus -- from the deadly 1918 strain -- that may help prevent future flu pandemics. [5:08]

Georgetown University site with a lengthy article on many aspects of gene therapy. Includes background and historical information and numerous resources on the topic. Focus here is on the ethics of these types of therapies.

There is a lot of resistance to genetic modification and the use of genetically modified crops. What is the science? This unit helps to provide some background in cell function and DNA properties, helping students to understand how genetic modification can make a difference. The developments in biotechnology are highlighted and students create a marketing campaign for GMO’s. This unit features 6 lessons and 7 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

In vitro collecting (IVC) is the process of starting plant tissue cultures with minimal disturbance to the plants when viable seeds are not available. Become the field researcher and learn how to collect tissue samples in a non-sterile environment using aseptic techniques. Use standard laboratory operating procedures (SLOPs) to prepare media for the IVC process. This unit features 3 lessons and 7 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.

Create a cookbook to learn Standard Operating Procedures for food safety and environmental monitoring. Test for proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids and compare plant and animal protein. This unit features 5 lessons and 16 files. Lessons are aligned to NGSS.