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 slideshow explains the process of how a neuron communicates.
This interactive lab will enhance learning about DNA by virtually translating a gene.
This site provides interesting data about how drugs alter the brain. Find facts, pictures, and animations to help portray the critical information about drugs of abuse. Also link to teacher resources and lesson plans.
Only a few types of aneuploidy are compatible with life. Use this drop-down menu to understand more about common genetic disorders resulting from monoploidy and polyploidy, such as Down Syndrome. Learn features of the disorder, see how it is managed, and view pictures of children with the disorder.
Use this drop-down menu to explore genetic conditions that involve variations in multiple genes, often coupled with environmental causes (multifactorial disorders). Examples of disorders include breast and ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and Alzheimer's. Learn how people get the chosen disorder, symptoms of the disorder, and how they are diagnosed and treated.
Use this drop-down menu to explore singe gene disorders such as Cystic Fibrosis, Huntington Disease, Sickle Cell, and more. Learn the symptoms and features of the disease, how to treat and/or manage the disease, and links to additional resources. Also, view pictures and charts of the affected gene in a healthy person and someone who has the disorder.
Learn about disorders caused by a deletion of DNA from one of the chromosomes. This article explains causes, inheritance, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Cri-du-Chat Syndrome and Wiliams Syndrome.
Even in species that look alike to us, individuals have variations in their DNA. Learn why this is important. [3:47]
A detailed explanation, accompanied by labeled illustrations and real-time movies, showing how vesicles move molecules around, both inside and outside a cell.
An explanation of how membranes organize the different parts of a cell into compact, specialized units.
Several stem cell therapies are routinely used to treat diseases today. Find out about the different kinds of therapies used and the types of health problems they are useful in treating.
This website offers a clear definition of the science of Genetics, highlighting DNA and genes. There is a neat, easy-to-understand animated tour of the basics and an opportunity to go inside an animated cell. Student can build a DNA molecule and discover how proteins function. Teachers and students alike will enjoy "What Makes a Firefly Glow?" Among others, there is a student activity based on using DNA to solve a mystery of stolen artifacts. The great teacher resources supply guides and suggest classroom activities. All in all, this is a useful site whose simple interactive graphics provide a fun and easy way to learn the difficult subject of DNA.
Learn about the endosymbiotic theory. This theory explains the evolution of cells from a mitochondria and chloroplast working together in a symbiotic relationship to the current cell structure.
In this step-by-step portrayal discover how cellular communication causes physiological changes during the fight or flight response. In addition to viewing the video, read the scene-by-scene guide to learn what happens when the brain detects danger. [4:25]
Multidisciplinary examination of the science of addiction attempts to unravel its complexities by considering genetics, brain chemistry, environmental risk factors, and related topics.
Get it all straight! The "Tour of the Basics" will help clarify the basic principals of genetics science from DNA, genes, chromosomes, proteins, heredity, and traits.
A very nice presentation and explanation of the issues and questions related to stem cell research. Not a lot of detail, but a great place to start framing the questions.
Ever wonder how a firefly creates light? Trace the process of light production in a firefly from transcription to the production of light as you watch this informative animation.
Genes are instruction manuals for our bodies and are contained in DNA. This video describes how genes make us unique.