Unit 6 Gene Expression & Regulation

Thursday 3/5/26

Today's Focus: Let it Glow! Bacterial Transformation Lab

Bell Question

1. Place your 6/7 Guided Lecture Notes and CF Case Study on the podium.

2. Take out your Let It Glow, Bacterial Transformation Lab packet

Today's In-class Tasks.

1. Students will conduct the Let It Glow, Bacterial Transformation Lab

2. With any time remaining we will discuss gene expression

   1. 1. • • We will use this BioNinja page on Gene Expression to discuss the function of transcription actors.

           • discuss Image 1, the charge of DNA molecules, methylation, acetylation and epigenetics

           • We will use the BioNinja page on Epigenetics in our discussion

             • • Our discussion on epigenetics will continue with Video 2, Amoeba Sisters - Epigenetics

           • We will finish our discussion on epigenetics by discussing microRNAs and siRNAs

Assignment(s):

1. 1. Prepare for the Unit 6 Test, to be given in on Wednesday, 3/11 & Friday 3/13.

      1. • Use the Unit 6 Learning Objective and Understandings to help you with note-taking

Supportive Media

1. BioNinja page on Editing mRNA

2. BioNinja page on tRNA

3. BioNinja pages on Translation

Tuesday 3/3/26

Today's Focus: Restriction Enzyme Lab Debrief

Bell Question

1. Make sure everybody in your group has your lab results, image of the gel electrophoresis results.

   1. • Please have one student submit your results to the Google Classroom assignment, "Restriction Enzymes Gel Electrophoresis Lab Results".

        1. • There is no grade attached to this; I just want to see the results.

Today's In-class Tasks.

1. We will discuss the results of the Restriction Enzyme Digest Lab and the connections between this lab and our last lab, as well as the connection to our next lab, Let It Glow, Bacterial Transformation Lab

2. We will then review the TRP & Lac Operons by discussing the Trp and Lac Operon assignments.

   1. 1. • • We will go over the Phet Lac Operon simulator

           • This discussion will lead to a discussion on our next lab

3. We will then watch Video 1 on transcription factors and:

   1. 1. • • Use this BioNinja page on Gene Expression to discuss the function of transcription actors.

           • discuss Image 1, the charge of DNA molecules, methylation, acetylation and epigenetics

           • We will use the BioNinja page on Epigenetics in our discussion

             • • Our discussion on epigenetics will continue with Video 2, Amoeba Sisters - Epigenetics

           • We will finish our discussion on epigenetics by discussing microRNAs and siRNAs

4. If time permits, we will watch the trp Operon video below and respond to the questions on this Biology Corner Trp & Lac Operons Worksheet.

   1. 1. • If not, this is homework

Assignment(s):

1. 1. Read through the Let It Glow lab and answer the Pre-lab questions.

   2. Complete the Unit 6, Topics 6 & 7 Video Guided Lecture Notes and Cystic Fibrosis Case Study

      1. • Due next Thursday, 3/5.

   3. Prepare for the Unit 6 Test, to be given in on Friday, 3/13.

      1. • Use the Unit 6 Learning Objective and Understandings to help you with note-taking

Supportive Media

1. BioNinja page on Editing mRNA

2. BioNinja page on tRNA

3. BioNinja pages on Translation

Friday 2/27/26

Today's Focus: PCR 101 Lab Review / Restriction Enzyme Lab

• Explain how primers and PCR can be used to amplify DNA fragments.

• Model the use of restriction enzymes to cut DNA into specific fragments

• Demonstrate the use of gel electrophoresis to separate DNA fragments.

Bell Question

1. Take out your PCR 101 Lab Packet.

2. Make sure everybody in your group has your lab results, image of the gel electrophoresis results.

Today's In-class Tasks.

1. Students will first prepare their gel plate for gel electrophoresis.

2. We will then debrief the PCR 101 Lab

   1. 1. • We will use the Lambda Phage Genome and Images 1 & 2, below, in our discussion

3. Students will then conduct the Restriction Digest Lab

4. If time permits, we will watch the trp Operon video below and respond to the questions on this Biology Corner Trp & Lac Operons Worksheet.

   1. 1. • If not, this is homework

Assignment(s):

1. 1. Watch the trp Operon video below and respond to the questions on this Biology Corner Trp & Lac Operons Worksheet

   2. Work on the Unit 6, Topics 6 & 7 Video Guided Lecture Notes and Cystic Fibrosis Case Study

      1. • Due next Thursday, 3/5.

   3. The Understandings for Unit 6, Topics 1 - 3 are covered in Chapter 13 of your book

      1. • Use the Unit 6 Learning Objective and Understandings to help you with note-taking

Supportive Media

1. BioNinja page on Editing mRNA

2. BioNinja page on tRNA

3. BioNinja pages on Translation

Wednesday 2/25/26

Today's Focus: Transcription & RNA Processing Review / Translation

Bell Question

1. Take out your Gene Expression Overview, Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic and Translation worksheet packet

   1. • With your partners, complete the Translation worksheet

Today's In-class Tasks.

1. We will debrief the Transcription & Translation activity.

   1. 1. • During the debrief we will discuss this BioNinja page on Editing mRNA

2. We will then discuss ribosomes, tRNA, tRNA activation and Translation

   1. 1. • I will refer to the BioNinja pages on tRNA and Translation as well as a worksheet on Translation

3. We will then discuss Topics 5 & 6:

   1. 1. • Students will need to go to the Phet Lac Operon simulator as we will work through the Guided Activity for this simulation. 

Assignment(s):

1. 1. Work on the Unit 6, Topics 6 & 7 Video Guided Lecture Notes and Cystic Fibrosis Case Study

      1. • Due next Thursday, 3/5.

   2. The Understandings for Unit 6, Topics 1 - 3 are covered in Chapter 13 of your book

      1. • Use the Unit 6 Learning Objective and Understandings to help you with note-taking

Supportive Media

1. BioNinja page on Editing mRNA

2. BioNinja page on tRNA

3. BioNinja pages on Translation

Thursday 2/12/26

Today's Focus: PCR 101 Lab

Students will perform the following techniques:

1. PCR, a lab technique used to propagate (make more) DNA over a short period of time

2. Gel Electrophoresis, a lab technique used to separate sections of DNA by size; it creates DNA fingerprints used for DNA analysis

Bell Question

1. No Bell Question, we will get straight into the pre-lab discussion

Today's In-class Tasks.

1. Students will perform the PCR 101 Lab; it will take the entire block.

Assignment(s):

1. 1. No homework.

Supportive Media

Tuesday 2/10/26

Today's Focus: Micropipetting, PCR & Gel Electrophoresis

Students will learn how to perform the following techniques:

1. PCR is a lab technique used to propagate (make more) DNA over a short period of time

2. Gel Electrophoresis is a lab technique used to separate sections of DNA by size; it creates DNA fingerprints used for DNA analysis

Bell Question

1. No Bell Question

Today's In-class Tasks.

1. We are going to put a brake on Topic 6 and prepare for our Thursday Lab

   1. 1. • We will practice micropipetting skills

         • Students will be introduced to the MiniOne equipment

         • We will discuss the PCR and Gel Electrophoresis 

Assignment(s):

1. 1. Pre-read the PCR 101 Lab, make sure you understand what we are going to be doing.

Supportive Media

Friday 2/6/26

Today's Focus: Transcription & RNA Processing (continued) / Translation

Bell Question

1. Place your Topics 5 & 6 Guided Lecture Notes on the podium.

2. I will pass out your Topic 4 lecture notes. Check your answers with the answer key.

3. Once finished checking your answers, return the answer key, pick-up your groups activity bag and complete the Transcription & Translation activity, including questions.

Today's In-class Tasks.

1. Students will complete the Transcription & Translation activity.

   1. 1. • While waiting for groups to finish, begin the Transcription Overview worksheet and the Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic worksheet.

         • Once all students have finished, we will debrief the activity.

         • During the debrief we will discuss this BioNinja page on Editing mRNA

2. We will then discuss ribosomes, tRNA, tRNA activation and Translation

   1. 1. • I will refer to the BioNinja pages on tRNA and Translation as well as a worksheet on Translation

Assignment(s):

1. 1. Complete the packet of worksheets given to you today. EXCEPTION: Do not do the TRANSLATION assignment.

   2. The Understandings for Unit 6, Topics 1 - 3 are covered in Chapter 13 of your book

      1. • Use the Unit 6 Learning Objective and Understandings to help you with note-taking

Supportive Media

1. BioNinja page on Editing mRNA

2. BioNinja page on tRNA

3. BioNinja pages on Translation

Wednesday 2/4/26

Today's Focus: Transcription & RNA Processing

Bell Question

1. Place your Topic 4 Guided Lecture Notes on the podium.

2. Within your group, take out a piece of paper. Without using resources:

   1. • state what the Central Dogma of Biology is

      • write a step-by-step summary of transcription.

Today's In-class Tasks.

1. We will discuss student ideas on the Bell Question prompt

2. We will then discus transcription and and RNA processing

   1. 1. • We will watch the DNA to Protein video below and then discuss the BioNinja page on Transcription and the BioNinja page on Editing mRNA

         • Students will then begin a paper transcription and translation activity

Assignment(s):

1. 1. Complete the Unit 6, Topics 5 & 6 Video Lecture and Guided Lecture Notes.

      1. • Lecture notes template given in class and the video is in Google Classroom

   2. The Understandings for Unit 6, Topics 1 - 3 are covered in Chapter 13 of your book

      1. • Use the Unit 6 Learning Objective and Understandings to help you with note-taking

Supportive Media

1. BioNinja link on DNA structure

Monday 2/2/26

Today's Focus: The Meselson Stahl Experiment Transcription & Translation

Bell Question

1. Place your Topic 3 Guided Lecture Notes on the podium.

2. Complete pages 4 - 6 of the packet given to you on Thursday

3. How do we know DNA is reproduced in a semi-conservative manner? Discuss with your partners.

Today's In-class Tasks.

1. After discussing the answers to the Bell Question, we will discuss the Meselson & Stahl Experiment:

   1. 1. •  we will. watch the Bozeman video below

2. We will then discus the Central Dogma,  transcription and translation

   1. 1. • We will watch the DNA to Protein video below and then discuss the BioNinja page on Transcription and the BioNinja page on Editing mRNA

         • Students will then begin a paper transcription and translation activity

Assignment(s):

1. 1. Complete the Unit 6, Topic 4 Video Lecture and Guided Lecture Notes.

      1. • Lecture notes template given in class and the video is in Google Classroom

   2. The Understandings for Unit 6, Topics 1 - 3 are covered in Chapter 13 of your book

      1. • Use the Unit 6 Learning Objective and Understandings to help you with note-taking

Supportive Media

1. BioNinja link on DNA structure

Thursday 1/29/26

Today's Focus: The Meselson Stahl Experiment & DNA Replication

Bell Question

1. Place your homework on the podium.

2. Due to its greater electronegativity oxygen can form polar covalent bonds with both carbon and hydrogen. Hence, the properties of water and solubility of carbohydrates. Although it does not have as high an electronegativity rating, nitrogen can also form polar covalent bonds with hydrogen and carbon.

   1. • Since both oxygen and nitrogen can form polar covalent bonds, they can also form hydrogen bonds with other polar molecules.

        1. • With that said, one person per pair needs to grab a pile of nitrogenous base structural formulas.

             1. • These bases are adenine, thymine, guanine and cytosine. Properly arrange the molecules to form the base pairing in DNA.

Today's In-class Tasks.

1. After we discuss the Bell Question we will wrap up the History and Structure of DNA lecture.

2. We will then watch the Bozeman video below and discuss the Meselson & Stahl Experiment

   1. 1. • Afterwards we will discuss and complete the DNA Replication handout.

3. We will then discuss topoisomerase and watch the Amoeba Sisters video below

   1. 1. • While watching the video we will stop it often and complete the DNA Replication: Key Players handout, given in class on Tuesday

4. Students will then complete the Lagging Strand: A Closer Look handout, given in class on Tuesday, with partners.

   1. 1. • We will discuss the answers when finished.

Assignment(s):

1. 1. Complete the Unit 6, Topic 3 Video Lecture and Guided Lecture Notes.

      1. • Lecture notes template given in class and the video is in Google Classroom

   2. The Understandings for Unit 6, Topics 1 - 3 are covered in Chapter 13 of your book

      1. • Use the Unit 6 Learning Objective and Understandings to help you with note-taking

Supportive Media

Tuesday 1/27/2026

Today's Focus: The Pursuit of the Structure of DNA / DNA Replication

Bell Question

1. With your partners read the introduction to the Case Study: Bacterial Transformation handout and respond to questions 1 - 4.

Today's In-class Tasks.

1. We will discuss the scientists and experiments that shaped our understanding of the structure of DNA.

   1. 1. • I am including here my History and Structure of DNA lecture notes

         • Students should respond to questions 5 - 8 on the Case Study when we are discussing Griffith's experiment.

         • While talking about the Race to the DNA Structure, students will do a nucleotide puzzle activity.

2. With any block time remaining, we will discuss DNA replication

   1. 1. • We will start with the Meselson and Stahl Experiment

         • Students will use the DNA Replication: An Overview handout as guided notes.

Assignment(s):

1. 1. Complete the Unit 6, Topics 1 & 2 Video Lecture and Guided Lecture Notes.

      1. • Lecture notes template given in class and the video is in Google Classroom

   2. The Understandings for Unit 6, Topics 1 - 3 are covered in Chapter 13 of your book

      1. • Use the Unit 6 Learning Objective and Understandings to help you with note-taking

Supportive Media