Module 3
Objective 3.2 Lesson C
Course
Advanced
Biotechnology
Unit
Agricultural
and Medical
Biotechnology
Essential
Question
What is RNAi
and what are
its implications
in scientific
research?
TEKS
130.364 1A-K,
2E-J, 3D, 3E,
4A, 4B, 6I, 9A,
9C, 9D, 9F
RNAi
Rationale
Through a process known as RNAi researchers have a new way to shut off
specific genes, yielding insights into the human genome as well as
providing potential treatments for a wide range of diseases.
Objectives
Students will be able to:
• Explain the mechanism of RNAi.
• Understand the implications of RNAi in science.
Engage
• RNAi Explained
Key Points

Lesson 3 Objective 1 and 2 Power Point
TAKS
Science 1A,
2A-D, 3B, 6A
Prior Student
Learning
DNA
replication,
transcription,
translation, cell
structure
Estimated
time
WebLesson:
30 minutes
Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2013. All rights reserved.
Activity
1. RNAi Web Lesson: This web activity will give students and overview
of RNAi.
2. Have students find current scientific journal articles referring to RNAi
and present. Ask your librarian how to access scholar science
articles.
3. Optional Wet Labs: DNA Dolan Science Center:
http://www.silencinggenomes.org/
Assessment:

Accurate and complete answers for RNAi Web Lesson. Materials can
be assessed on exams.

Current Event Rubric (from Objective1) or generate your own free rubric
for a journal article presentation at http://rubistar.4teachers.org/
Materials
• RNAi Web Lesson Worksheet
Accommodations for Learning Differences
 Visit the Special Populations section of the CTE Career and
Technical Education Website: http://cte.unt.edu/special-pops.
National and State Education Standards
College and Career Readiness Standards
Science
I. A2, A3, A4, C1, C2, C3, E1, E2
II. A1, A2, A3, A5
III. A1, B1, B2, B3, B4
V. C1, D1, E1
VI. C2, D1, D2, D3
Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2013. All rights reserved.
RNAi Web Lesson
Name:___________________

Go to http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/rnai.html

View the video titled RNAi

Answer the following questions
1. Briefly explain how RNAi could be used to cure diseases.
2. Explain how proteins are made – using the castle and cookbook analogy. Where
are these recipes sent? What does the chef do with these protein recipes?
3. How was RNAi discovered? In your answer include: the organism used, the hypothesis
proposed, the protocol used, the data collected and the conclusion that was made.
4. Why were petunias picked for their experiment? Name the scientist that was
trying to make the purple petunia.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2013. All rights reserved.
5. What does RNAi stand for? Write a simple explanation that outlines your
understanding of RNAi.
6. Why do you think cells evolved the RNAi mechanism?

Go to http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/rnai-explained.html

Complete the interactive activity titled RNAi Explained

Answer the questions below
7. Why did cells evolve enzymes that recognize and destroy double-stranded
RNA molecules?
8. What is the function of the RISC/RNA complex?
Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2013. All rights reserved.
9. Label the key players in the diagram below

Go to http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/body/rnai-therapy.html

View the video titled RNAi Therapy

Answer the following questions
10. How can RNAi be used to treat macular degeneration?
11. How can scientists use RNAi to learn about the human genome?
Copyright © Texas Education Agency 2013. All rights reserved.