MOLECULAR GENETICS JIGSAW ACTIVITY LINKS

DNA Structure
DNA Structure Details
Replication Animation
Replication Picture
The four bases
Chargaff's Rule
Rosalind Franklin
Rosalind Franklin page 2
Watson and Crick
Watson and Crick - The actual paper
Sweat Translation activity

MORE MOLECULAR GENETICS LINKS

HEREDITY

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"We've discovered the secret of life."
-Francis Crick, co-builder of the first model of DNA

MOLECULAR GENETICS

Molecular Genetics is currently the fastest growing field of science. It deals with DNA and all of the chemicals that control it. Since the first model of DNA was built in 1953, our knowledge in this field has grown incredibly. In 50 years, we went from not knowing the structure of DNA to being able to clone mammals. The possibilities are mind boggling. Major decisions are going to have to be made about how this new knowledge is used. Should we pursue stem cell research? Should we clone humans? Today’s young adults must learn the basics of Molecular Genetics in order to make these choices intelligently.

Students will investigate the history of this very young science. We will also do several activities to familiarize ourselves with the molecules of Heredity and the processes they go through. We will create models of DNA. We will also perform a simulation of protein synthesis using ourselves as life-sized versions of the molecules involved.

CLASSICAL GENETICS

Classical Genetics explores generational changes in organisms. Tools used in this study have been around for hundreds of years. Classical Genetics gives us the ability to predict the characteristics of offspring from a certain cross of organisms. Allowing us to produce organisms with desired traits. For example; dogs with a gentle nature, or lean beef cattle. What science has had a greater historical impact on our agriculture?

Technology will be used to do simulations of genetic crosses. Foundational concepts will be taught with beginner simulations. More challenging results of simulated crosses will be interpreted by the student once the basics have been learned. The use of the "Logal Biology Teacher" simulation software has greatly increased the student centered nature of instruction for these concepts.