Molecular Genetics
Big Ideas from this unit
DNA contains all the genetic information for any living organism.
Proteins control a wide variety of cellular processes.
Genetic research and biotechnology have social, legal, and ethical implications.
Overall Expectations (Ontario Science Curriculum)
D1. analyse some of the social, ethical, and legal issues associated with genetic research and biotechnology;
D2. investigate, through laboratory activities, the structures of cell components and their roles in processes that occur within the cell;
D3. demonstrate an understanding of concepts related to molecular genetics, and how genetic modification is applied in industry and agriculture.
PBS Documentary Cracking the code of life video 2h
Learn genetics virtual labs
DNA separation lab (you can replace meat tenderizer with a few drops of pineapple juice)
DNA replication - amoeba sisters version, a more formal version, leading/lagging strand,
Protein synthesis - transcription/translation - teachers pet video, another video, class simulation activity
Protein synthesis race game - actually not bad!!!
http://www.zerobio.com/drag_oa/protein/transcription.htm flash - doesn’t seem to show up properly
http://sepuplhs.org/high/sgi/teachers/genetics_act16_sim.html flash - just demonstrates it, no interaction required
http://www.musee-afrappier.qc.ca/en/index.php?gameid=9 flash seems grumpy
https://www.dnalc.org/view/15889-RNA-polymerase-game-interactive-2D-animation.html (seems less interesting)
Operons
lac operon simulation
Mutations
Genetic modification
Gel electrophoresis
learn genetics activity
Transformation activity
Sanger method
D1S80 VNTR activity
Gene Therapy
HHMI simulated bacterial identification lab using DNA