DNA to Evolution
What You Need to Know for the Next Test:
The structure of a nucleotide and the four nucleotides that form DNA (You do not need to differentiate purines from pyrimidines.) Book p. 295
The complimentary base pairing of nucleotides in DNA Book p. 295
The antiparallel orientation of the two strands that form DNA (5' is the phosphate end and 3' is the carbon 3 end) Book p.295
The role of Helicase and DNA Polymerase This was discussed in the Amoeba Sister's video, The Structure of DNA and the DNA/RNA Packet. It is also discussed on page 297 of your book but this section was not assigned as notes.
What semi-conservative replication is. This was discussed in the Amoeba Sister's video, The Structure of DNA and the DNA/RNA Packet. It is also discussed on page 297 of your book but this section was not assigned as notes.
What is the Central Dogma of biology? Book. p299
Know the structural differences between DNA & RNA. Module 11, Lessons 1 & 3, p. 294/95 & 299/300
What are the jobs of mRNA and tRNA? Book p. 299 &300
An overall understanding of transcription and the role of RNA polymerase. Book p. 300 and DNA/RNA packet
An overall understanding of translation and the role of mRNA, tRNA, the ribosomes, codons and anticodons. Book p. 301, 302 and the DNA/RNA packet
How the codon wheel/chart works. Book p. 301 & 302
You will need to provide the codes for the template DNA, complimentary strand of DNA or mRNA when given codes for only one of these strands.
What is a mutation. Book. p. 310 and the Mutations Worksheet
Types of mutations (including missence, nonsense, silent, deletion and insertion) and which ones are substitution mutations and which ones are frameshift mutation. Book pp. 310 -312 and the Mutations Worksheet
Causes of mutations. Book p. 313
The consequences of an autosomal (body cell) mutation verse the consequences of a gamete (sex-cell) mutation. Book p. 314
What is natural selection? Book p. 370
What experiences did Darwin have that lead him to his theory of evolution through natural selection. Book, all of Lesson 1 (Not part of class lecture but in required reading.)
What is an adaptation? Book. p 378
Compare and contrast mimicry vs camouflage. Book. p 379
What is antimicrobial resistance and what are the ramifications of it? Book. p 379
What are the consequences of the human adaptation for walking upright, when compared to other primates? Book. p 380
Explain how the following support evolution: the fossil record, comparative anatomy, vestigial structures, comparative embryology, comparative molecular biology and geographic distribution Book. pp. 373 - 378
Be prepared to make and support a claim regarding the evolutionary relationship between species. This will be very similar to the phylogenic trees created in the NOVA Evolution Lab Game and the cladograms in the The Molecular Connection.
Standards We Addressed:
The study guide questions/statements are the nuts and bolts of what we did in class (and you read about in the book) that relate to the standards we addressed. These standards will guide the type of questions you will be asked on the assessment.
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
Identify the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.
Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.
Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four factors: (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment.
Friday 6/6/2024
Focus: Frog Pre-Dissection
Bell Question:
Get your frog and dissection tray
Today's In-class Tasks:
We will work through a guided Frog Dissection.
Assignments
Complete the Nova Evolution assignment, if not yet done, and any missing assignment(s).
If not done already, take notes on Module 11, below are the sections we are addressed:
a. Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation
b. Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes
c. Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation
d. Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it
e. Module 14, Lesson 2 – All of it
Prep for your last unit test (to be given during our dedicated Finals Block)
Supportive Media
Image 1: Frog Dissection - General Organs Labeled
Image 4: Frog Dissection Image with Spleen
Image 5: Male Urogenital Organs
Image 6: Female Urogenital Organs
Wednesday 6/5/2024
Focus: Frog Pre-Dissection, Online Gizmo Dissection
Bell Question:
No Bell Question
Today's In-class Tasks:
Go to Google Classroom and open the Gizmos Frog Dissection assignment.
Login in to Gizmos and open the Frog Dissection Gizmo
Complete the student worksheet as you move through the digital dissection.
Assignments
If not finished in class, complete the:
Frog Dissection Gizmo
NOVA Evolution Lab Game, Due on Friday.
If not done already, take notes on Module 11, below are the sections we are addressed:
a. Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation
b. Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes
c. Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation
d. Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it
e. Module 14, Lesson 2 – All of it
I will not collect this assignment but I can guarantee test questions on this:
Explain how 1) independent assortment, 2) mutation 3) sexual reproduction and 4) natural selection can explain the appearance of animals with four legs and vast variety of animals with four legs.
Begin prepping for your last unit test (to be given during our dedicated Finals Block)
Supportive Media
Monday 6/3/2024
Focus: Evidence for Evolution Review / Frog Pre-Dissection
We will be addressing the following NGSS standards:
Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.
The NGSS standard above is addressed in the following sections of the book
a. Module 14, Lesson 2 - Support for Evolution
Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple
lines of empirical evidence.
Bell Question:
Review the answers to the Molecular Connection, we will discuss any questions students have about the assignment.
You then need to read the following article on Vestigial Organs
Finally, image 1, below, is of a blind salamander. As the name indicates it does not have the ability to see.
Why does it have eyes if it can not see? Think about why this is.
Today's In-class Tasks:
We will discuss the answers to the Molecular Connection
Examine this phylogenic tree of Early Tetrapod Evolution (a tetrapod is a 4 limbed organism). Helpful Info:
Sarcopterygians are lobe-finned fish, opposed to ray-finned fish (See Image 2)
Amphibians are believed to evolved from lobe-finned fish (See Image 3)
What environmental pressures forced fish out of the water?
Prior to moving onto land, what physical changes needed to occur to fish species about to make it onto land?
Once on land, what additional physical changes needed to occur with tetrapods?
Amniota is a classification of organisms that use protective membranes around embryos (eggs and egg-like structures) and the embryos do not go through larval stages.
What type of pressures enabled this trait to be beneficial?
Identify organisms that are amniotes?
As a class we will work through the Frog Dissection: Pre-dissection Activity packet
We will do this as an activity and not as a written assignment; I will not pass out hard copies
Assignments
Work on the NOVA Evolution Lab Game, directions given above. Due on Friday.
If not done already, take notes on Module 11, below are the sections we are addressed:
a. Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation
b. Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes
c. Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation
d. Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it
e. Module 14, Lesson 2 – All of it
I will not collect this assignment but I can guarantee test questions on this:
Explain how 1) independent assortment, 2) mutation 3) sexual reproduction and 4) natural selection can explain the appearance of animals with four legs and vast variety of animals with four legs.
Begin prepping for your last unit test (to be given during our dedicated Finals Block)
Supportive Media
Image 1: Blind Salamander
Thursday 5/30/2024
Focus: Evidence for Evolution
We will be addressing the following NGSS standards:
Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.
The NGSS standard above is addressed in the following sections of the book
a. Module 14, Lesson 2 - Support for Evolution
Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.
Bell Question:
Examine Image 1, the Mitochondria Electron Transport Chain
After coping with the painful flashbacks, discuss with your partners the job of Cytochrome C
Examine Image 2, Evolution of Horses
What is the advantage of developing a hoof?
Today's In-class Tasks:
We will discuss the types of evidence scientists examine when trying to determine evolutionary pathways.
Students will then work on The Molecular Connection, an activity that uses amino acid sequences of a common protein to determine evolutionary relationships of various organisms
Anytime remaining in the block will begin working through the NOVA Evolution Lab Game
Login using your school Google Account so that you can save your work.
Launch the game and work through all the videos and the missions.
The missions will take you awhile but you will earn 2 points and one possible extra credit point for each mission.
2 points for a score between 3 - 6 checks out of 6 checks. For a perfect score of 6, you will earn 1 extra point towards the final test.
There are 6 mission so you can earn up to 6 extra credit points on our last test
Once you have completed the six missions, take a screenshot of your score sheet.
An example screenshot is listed below.
Add your screen shot to the Evolution Game assignment, given to you in Google Classroom
Assignments
If not finished during class, finish The Molecular Connection,
Work on the NOVA Evolution Lab Game, directions given above. Due on Friday.
Continue taking notes on Module 14, below are the sections we are addressing:
a. Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it
b. Module 14, Lesson 2 – All of it
If not done already, take notes on Module 11, below are the sections we are addressed:
a. Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation
b. Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes
c. Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation
Supportive Media
Image 2: Evolution of Horses
Image 3: Law of Superposition
Image 4: Law of Superposition, Grand Canyon
Image 5: Evolution, Comparative Anatomy
Image 6: Evolution Comparative Embryology
Video 1: The Origin of Tetrapods
Tuesday 5/28/2024
Focus: Evolution & Evidence for Evolution
We will be addressing the following NGSS standards:
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.
The NGSS standard above i addressed in the following sections of the book
a. Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it
b. Module 14, Lesson 2 – Adaptation, Types of Adaptation and Consequences of Adaptation ( We will address the first part of Lesson 2 with our next class)
Bell Question:
What is the difference between Natural Selection & Evolution?
Provide an example for each.
What is Gene Flow and Genetic Drift?
Provide an example for each.
What was the solution to the STEM Case: Gene Flow, Genetic Drift or Natural Selection?
How did the bacteria become immune to antibiotics?
Today's In-class Tasks:
After we discuss the answers to the bell questions, we will discuss 4 factors that drive evolution
We will then discuss evidence for evolution and watch the Stated Clearly video, What is the Evidence for Evolution? (included below)
Anytime remaining in the block will begin working through the NOVA Evolution Lab Game
Login using your school Google Account so that you can save your work.
Launch the game and work through all the videos and the missions.
The missions will take you awhile but you will earn 2 points and one possible extra credit point for each mission.
2 points for a score between 3 - 6 checks out of 6 checks. For a perfect score of 6, you will earn 1 extra point towards the final test.
There are 6 mission so you can earn up to 6 extra credit points on our last test
Once you have completed the six missions, take a screenshot of your score sheet.
An example screenshot is listed below.
Add your screen shot to the Evolution Game assignment, given to you in Google Classroom
Assignments
Work on the NOVA Evolution Lab Game, directions given above.
Continue taking notes on Module 14, below are the sections we are addressing:
a. Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it
b. Module 14, Lesson 2 – All of it
If not done already, take notes on Module 11, below are the sections we are addressed:
a. Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation
b. Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes
c. Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation
Supportive Media
Image 2: Evolution 1
Image 3: Evolution 2
Image 4: Finch Beak Size and Drought Graphs
Image 5: Evolution 4
Video 1: Whale Evolution
Thursday 5/23/2024
Focus: Natural Selection & Adaptations
We will be addressing the following NGSS standards:
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.
The NGSS standard above i addressed in the following sections of the book
a. Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it
b. Module 14, Lesson 2 – Adaptation, Types of Adaptation and Consequences of Adaptation ( We will address the first part of Lesson 2 with our next class)
Bell Question:
The Peppered Moth is a famous moth, biologically speaking. It is pictured below:
The Peppered Moth's color is controlled by the cortex gene, which has two phenotypes white and black
Login to Gizmos and open the Natural Selection Gizmo and wait for instructions
This Gizmo and the Rainfall and Beak Size Gizmo models Natural Selection.
What is Natural Selection and how was it modeled?
How are the Galapagos Finches an example of natural selection?
How can a population (a species within a specific geographic area) obtain new traits?
Today's In-class Tasks:
We will discuss the Natural Selection, the work of the Grants & the Rainfall and Beak Size Gizmos and pocket mice (video below)
We will then discuss how speciation occurs and watch the Amoeba Sisters video below
Anytime remaining in the block will be used to begin the Evolution STEM case in Gizmos
Assignments
Complete the Evolution STEM case in Gizmos
Begin taking notes on Module 14, below are the sections we are addressing:
a. Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it
b. Module 14, Lesson 2 – Adaptation, Types of Adaptation and Consequences of Adaptation ( We will address the first part of Lesson 2 with our next class)
If not done already, take notes on Module 11, below are the sections we are addressed:
a. Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation
b. Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes
c. Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation
Supportive Media
Image 1: Peppered Moth
Image 2: Galapagos Finches and Beak Size
Video 1: Natural Selection & Pocket Mice
Video 2: Speciation
Tuesday 5/21/2024
Focus: Mutations / Adaptation / Natural Selection
We will be addressing the following NGSS standard:
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.
The NGSS standard above is addressed in the following sections of the book
a. Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it
b. Module 14, Lesson 2 – Adaptation, Types of Adaptation and Consequences of Adaptation ( We will address the first part of Lesson 2 with our next class)
Bell Question:
No Bell Question
Today's In-class Tasks:
Students will then open the Rainfall and Beak Size assignment, given in Google Classroom
If not done during last class, students will first watch a video on Galapagos Finches and answer questions as you watch the video. Please wear ear buds/headphones while in class and watching the video. The video is found below and in Google Classroom.
Students will then complete the Rainfall and Beak Size assignment.
You will need to login to Gizmos and open the Rainfall and Bird Beak Size Gizmo to complete the assignment
Lastly, students will read an article on Galapagos Ground Finches, Beak Size and Genes and respond to the questions on the worksheet.
Assignments
Complete the Rainfall and Beak Size assignment, given in Google Classroom
If not done already, complete taking notes on Module 11:
a. Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation
b. Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes
c. Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation
Continue reading and taking notes on Module 14, Lesson 1 (all of it)
Supportive Media
Video 1: HHMI Galapagos Finch Evolution
Friday 5/17/2024
Focus: Mutations / Adaptation / Natural Selection
We will be addressing the following NGSS standard:
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.
The NGSS standard above is addressed in the following sections of the book
a. Module 14, Lesson 1 – All of it
b. Module 14, Lesson 2 – Adaptation, Types of Adaptation and Consequences of Adaptation ( We will address the first part of Lesson 2 with our next class)
Bell Question:
Take out your Mutations Worksheet
Login to Gizmos and open the Mutations and Selection Gizmo
Today's In-class Tasks:
We will go over the answers to the Mutations Worksheet and then work through the Mutations and Natural Selection Gizmo
Students will then open the Rainfall and Beak Size assignment, given in Google Classroom
Students will first watch a video on Galapagos Finches and answer questions as you watch the video. Please wear ear buds/headphones while in class and watching the video. The video is found below and in Google Classroom.
Students will then complete the Rainfall and Beak Size assignment.
Lastly, students will read an article on Galapagos Ground Finches, Beak Size and Genes and respond to the questions on the worksheet.
Assignments
Work on the Rainfall and Beak Size assignment, given in Google Classroom
If not done already, complete taking notes on Module 11:
a. Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation
b. Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes
c. Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation
Begin reading and taking notes on Module 14, Lesson 1 (all of it)
Supportive Media
Wednesday 5/15/2024
Focus: Protein Synthesis / Mutations
We will be addressing the following NGSS standards:
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.
The three NGSS standards above are addressed in the following sections of the book
a. Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation
b. Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes
c. Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation
Bell Question:
Read the Genetics.Utah article What is Mutation?
Today's In-class Tasks:
We will discuss mutations briefly and then students will complete the Mutations Worksheet
We will then discuss how mutations lead to changes in proteins which leads to changes in phenotypes. Students will explore the ramifications of such changes with the Natural Selection Gizmo.
Login to Gizmos and open the Mutations and Selection Gizmo
We will work through this Gizmo as a class activity - no written work required
With any time remaining, students will begin the Rainfall and Beak Size assignment, given in Google Classroom
DISREGARD THE VIDEO PORTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT
Assignments
If not finished in class, complete the Mutations Worksheet
Complete taking notes on Module 11; next class we will move beyond Module 11. Below are the Module 11 sections we are addressing:
a. Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation
b. Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes
c. Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation
Supportive Media
Monday 5/13/2024
Focus: DNA Structure and Replication Review/ Protein Synthesis
We will be addressing the following NGSS standards:
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.
The three NGSS standards above are addressed in the following sections of the book
a. Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation
b. Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes
c. Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation
Bell Question:
Using the K'Nex color code below and the following DNA Template Code, TAC ACG TGG ATC, re-build your DNA model.Use the same color sugar piece for both strands.
white - adenine (6)
black - thyamine (6)
gray - guanine (6)
green - cytosine (6)
Today's In-class Tasks:
With the use of K'nex kits, students will work through the following handouts: In Thinking - DNA Structure, In Thinking - DNA Replication: Structured Notes, InThinking - The Structure of DNA and RNA, RNA Replication: Structured Notes, Transcription, Comparing DNA Replication and Transcription, Decoding mRNA and Translation and DNA to Protein Worksheet.
Today's focus will be on Transcription & Translation
Assignments
Complete the DNA to Protein Worksheet in your packet.
Begin taking notes on Module 11, below are the sections we are addressing:
a. Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation
b. Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes
c. Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation
Supportive Media
Image 1: Meselson and Stahl Question
Image 2: DNA Replication
Image 3: Deoxyribose vs Ribose
Image 4: tRNA
Image 5: Translation
Video 1: DNA to Protein
Thursday 5/9/2024
Focus: DNA Structure
We will be addressing the following NGSS standards in our new unit:
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.
Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.
The three NGSS standards above are addressed in the following sections of the book
a. Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation
b. Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes
c. Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation
Bell Question:
We will first change seats
Once we change seats, and with your new partners, discuss the following questions:
What monomer is illustrated in Image 1 below?
What are the polymers formed by this monomer?
Today's In-class Tasks:
With the use of K'nex kits, students will work through the following handouts: In Thinking - DNA Structure, In Thinking - DNA Replication: Structured Notes, InThinking - The Structure of DNA and RNA, RNA Replication: Structured Notes, Transcription, Comparing DNA Replication and Transcription, Decoding mRNA and Translation and DNA to Protein Worksheet.
Students will make 24 K'nex nucleotides using the following numbers and colors
white - adenine (6)
black - thyamine (6)
gray - guanine (6)
green - cytosine (6)
Using the following DNA Template Code, TAC ACG TGG ATC, students will then build a DNA model
Combining group models, we will review the process of DNA replication
Assignments
If not finished, complete the DNA Videos and Building DNA assignment, given in Google Classroom - due next class
Begin taking notes on Module 11, below are the sections we are addressing:
a. Module 11, Lesson 1 – Nucleotides, DNA Structure & Orientation
b. Module 11, Lesson 3 – Central Dogma, Transcription, The Code, Translation, The Role of Ribosomes
c. Module 11, Lesson 4 – Types of Mutations, Causes of Mutation, Body Cell vs Sex Cell Mutation
Supportive Media
Video 1: 7 Facts About DNA
Video 2
Video 3
Video 4