Embedded Files
This Unit Project
This Unit Project
This unit's project will look at the DNA and how it forms into amino acids and then proteins. These proteins then come together and form into cells. These cells then combined in tissues that form organs. These organs form the parts to complex life. We will be looking at the phenomenon of how changing a part of this process and have drastic affects to the organism. Students will have to form a presentation informing the reader about how changing the DNA of an organism with the CRISPR, which is a new technology, that changes an organisms DNA to fix or kill the organism. New technology is always developing in today's society. It is important for students to have a understanding of these new technologies and how they relate back to the fundamental ideas of science. So later they can make educated decision about their life and the environment they live in.
Learning Target
Learning Target
MS-LS3-1.
Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects
LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms
• Organisms reproduce, either sexually or asexually, and transfer their genetic information to their offspring. (secondary to MS-LS3-2)
LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits
• Genes are located in the chromosomes of cells, with each chromosome pair containing two variants of each of many distinct genes. Each distinct gene chiefly controls the production of specific proteins, which in turn affects the traits of the individual. Changes (mutations) to genes can result in changes to proteins, which can affect the structures and functions of the organism and thereby change traits. (MS-LS3-1)
• Variations of inherited traits between parent and offspring arise from genetic differences that result from the subset of chromosomes (and therefore genes) inherited. (MS-LS3-2)
LS3.B: Variation of Traits
• In sexually reproducing organisms, each parent contributes half of the genes acquired (at random) by the offspring. Individuals have two of each chromosome and hence two alleles of each gene, one acquired from each parent. These versions may be identical or may differ from each other. (MS-LS3-2)
• In addition to variations that arise from sexual reproduction, genetic information can be altered because of mutations. Though rare, mutations may result in changes to the structure and function of proteins. Some changes are beneficial, others harmful, and some neutral to the organism. (MS-LS3-1)
Background
Background
We know that genes are made of DNA because scientists were able to demonstrate that DNA and proteins are found in the nucleus of cells, and, more importantly, that DNA (and not protein) is able to transform the traits of organisms. Oswald Avery, Colin MacLeod, and Maclyn McCarty made this discovery in 1944. Their research showed that it is possible to transform harmless bacteria into infectious ones with pure DNA. They also provided further support for their claim by demonstrating that it is possible to prevent this “‘transformation” with a DNA-digesting enzyme called DNase.
However, knowing that genes are made of DNA and that DNA is able to store the genetic information of an individual is a little like having a parts list to a 747 jumbo jet. It tells what is important, but it tells you little about how it works. To figure out how DNA works—that is, how it is able to store genetic information—scientists had to figure out its structure. In this investigation, you will duplicate the work of the two scientists who first figured out the structure of DNA—James Watson and Francis Crick. Then explore how these ideas are used in modern science to edit genes and create new organisms.
Guiding Questions
Guiding Questions
How does DNA create living structures and what can you do to alter that?
DNA contains a genetic code which is used to give instructions to various parts of a cell. The process of relaying this message involves the transcription of the message from a DNA code into an RNA code, then the translation of this RNA message into a sequence of amino acids which is combined to create a protein. We have started to explore how variations in this genetic code can create a significant change in the genome of an organism and cause various phenotypic conditions. Sickle-cell anemia, albinism, and down-syndrome are examples of this.
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