Genes are the foundation for the diversity of living things

  1.  How is DNA structured?  What is the function of DNA?
  2. What are genes?  What are Chromosomes?
  3. What are some of of the simple patterns of inheritance?
  4. What are the mechanisms for the diversity of life?
  5. How would you explain mutations and its impact on evolution?
  6. What is natural selection?
  7. What is artificial selection?
  8. What are the applications of genetics and what are the ethical considerations of genetics?

History of Genetics

 DNA from the beginning: an animated primer of 75 experiments that made modern genetics

DNA Timeline (Guardian):  From Mendel to the human genome project

DNA Timeline (Extension);

Part 1:  DNA, Protein Synthesis and Mutations

DNA

Learn Genetics (University of Utah) “Build a DNA Molecule” – animation

5.Learn Genetics (UoU)  – Lab Virtual DNA extraction ****

Video by Amoeba Sisters: DNA replication

Protein Synthesis

Learn Genetics – University of Utah “What are Proteins” – Video Clip

Learn Genetics – “Types of Proteins” – Animation

From DNA to Protein (Flash File animation) – learn how proteins are made in the cell from the information in the DNA codeYourgenome.org “From DNA to Protein” (flash)

Learn.Genetics “Transcribe and Translate a Gene”

Learn. Genetics “How do Cells Read Genes?

 

MUTATIONS

Learn. Genetics “What is Mutation?

Learn. Genetics “The Outcome of Mutation” – a mutation is a process that changes a DNA sequence

Explore types of mutations

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11iYk0Yrx3g]

Bee Spotter – Honey Bee Genome

Learn more about the Bee Spotter Program

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xpm8do76Xx4]

Part 2:  Mendel Genetics

Glossary from Genome BC

Mendelian Genetics Activity Page *****

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mehz7tCxjSE]

Virtual Lab – Punnett squares   (monohybrid genetic crosses)

12.  Virtual Lab – How can sex-linked traits be identified?

 Listen to a description of how local game farmers are breeding rare and unusual coloured game animals.

Mutant animals – fur colour that is considered mutant (born to die)!

Learn more about how animal breeders and farmers are converting farm land into pasture land in order to raise hunting stock.

Play the “Blood typing Game”

How can a single allele that has independent assortment produce a colour change in human skin?

Learn more about how skin colour is a function of melanin presence which varies according to UV radiation.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLsFl6QiFh4]

 PhET Sim – Natural Selection Bunny Fur Colour – Launch Button

Natural Selection

Evolution Berkley HHMI – Videos/Comic Strip

YourGenome.Org

Niche – the fun way to learn about natural selection

Learn a lot more about genes, chromosomes and mutations by exploring the learning links on our genetics page:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0wSDpZodvI]

Learn more about how grassland creatures are about to co-exist due to niche partitioning. Each species is able to co-exist if it occupies a unique biological niche.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eH6X2rAQEs]

Part 1:  Leading Activity/Introductory Activity:  Science Museum “Do you want to know a secret?”

 [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqf7FYfuqDc]

Student Activity/Mouse Clone Activity (Learn more about how to clone a mouse called mini)

Learn more about how genetically modified mosquitoes are being used to protect against contracting the Zika Virus

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlSTGkDyEfM]

What makes a GMO different from natural selection (Lucky Hits)?

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH4bi60alZU]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TmcXYp8xu4]

 

DNA Sequencing =  your entire genome

Genotyping =  a tiny fraction of your genome (0.02% of your genome)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3EEmVfbKNs]

Born to Die – how trophy game hunters are creating mutant animals!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_qX0ghpleg]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkLeHnl-lPI]

Three main applications of genetics: GMOS, cloning, and stem cells.

Links:

Galapagos Adaptations Activity:

  1. Visit the Galapagos Animal Gallery (CLICK HERE!)
  2. Examine the photos of closely related species found in the Galapagos environment, including iguanas, tortoises, and cormorants.
  3. Observe the similarities and differences between the two species of each animal.
  4. Form hypotheses about species differences and the relationship to the environment of the Galapagos Islands. Use the habitat information below to help you:
  5. Habitat of…
    1. Land and Marine Iguanas
    2. Saddleback and Domed Tortoises
    3. Flightless Cormorants