Biointeractive: Modeling the Regulatory Switches of the Pitx1 Gene in Stickleback Fish

Description

This hands-on activity supports concepts covered in the film Evolving Switches, Evolving Bodies about the evolution of stickleback fish. You will interpret molecular diagrams and build physical models of eukaryotic gene regulation.

You will review eukaryotic gene transcription using the example of a gene called Pitx1, which is involved in the development of pelvic spines in stickleback fish. You will explore how changes in Pitx1 gene expression can affect body development, and learn how those changes, with the appropriate selective pressure, play a role in the evolution of a population. You will then create models showing how Pitx1 gene transcription is regulated in two morphologically different populations of stickleback fish.

In the sections below, you will find the student handout, the video - The Making of the Fittest: Evolving Switches, Evolving Bodies, and some additional related resources that you can view if you want to explore more.

Additional Resources