Teacher Overview:
This Camp will focus on the Genetics Unit:
NYS Learning Standards for Science, Math and Technology (NYS Core
Curriculum Guide for Living Environments
Key Idea 2:
Organisms inherit genetic information in a variety of ways that result in continuity of
structure and function between parents and offspring.
Organisms from all kingdoms possess a set of instructions (genes) that determines their
characteristics. These instructions are passed from parents to offspring during reproduction.
Students are familiar with simple mechanisms related to the inheritance of some physical traits in
offspring. They are now able to begin to understand the molecular basis of heredity and how this set
of instructions can be changed through recombination, mutation, and genetic engineering.
The inherited instructions that are passed from parent to offspring exist in the form of a code. This
code is contained in DNA molecules. The DNA molecules must be accurately replicated before being
passed on. Once the coded information is passed on it is used by a cell to make proteins. The proteins
that are made become cell parts and carry out most functions of the cell.
Throughout recorded history, humans have used selective breeding and other biotechnological
methods to produce products or organisms with desirable traits. Our current understanding of DNA
extends this to the manipulation of genes leading to the development of new combinations of traits
and new varieties of organisms.
Explain how the structure and replication of genetic material result in offspring that resemble their
parents.
Major Understandings
2.1a Genes are inherited, but their expression can be modified by interactions with the environment.
2.1b Every organism requires a set of coded instructions for specifying its traits. For offspring to
resemble their parents, there must be a reliable way to transfer information from one generation to
the next. Heredity is the passage of these instructions from one generation to another.
2.1c Hereditary information is contained in genes, located in the chromosomes of each cell. An
inherited trait of an individual can be determined by one or by many genes, and a single gene can
influence more than one trait. A human cell contains many thousands of different genes in its nucleus.
2.1d In asexually reproducing organisms, all the genes come from a single parent.
Asexually produced offspring are normally genetically identical to the parent.
2.1e In sexually reproducing organisms, the new individual receives half of the genetic information
from its mother (via the egg) and half from its father (via the sperm). Sexually produced offspring
often resemble, but are not identical to, either of their parents.
PERFORMANCE
INDICATOR 2.1
2.1f In all organisms, the coded instructions for specifying the characteristics of the organism are
carried in DNA, a large molecule formed from subunits arranged in a sequence with bases of four
kinds (represented by A, G, C, and T). The chemical and structural properties of DNA are the basis for
how the genetic information that underlies heredity is both encoded in genes (as a string of
molecular (bases) and replicated by means of a template.
2.1g Cells store and use coded information. The genetic information stored in DNA is used to direct
the synthesis of the thousands of proteins that each cell requires.
2.1h Genes are segments of DNA molecules. Any alteration of the DNA sequence is a mutation.
Usually, an altered gene will be passed on to every cell that develops from it.
2.1i The work of the cell is carried out by the many different types of molecules it assembles, mostly
proteins. Protein molecules are long, usually folded chains made from 20 different kinds of amino
acids in a specific sequence. This sequence influences the shape of the protein. The shape of the
protein, in turn, determines its function.
2.1j Offspring resemble their parents because they inherit similar genes that code for the production
of proteins that form similar structures and perform similar functions.
2.1k The many body cells in an individual can be very different from one another, even though they
are all descended from a single cell and thus have essentially identical genetic instructions. This is
because different parts of these instructions are used in different types of cells, and are influenced by
the cells environment and past history.
Explain how the technology of genetic engineering allows humans to alter genetic makeup of
organisms.
Major Understandings
2.2a For thousands of years new varieties of cultivated plants and domestic animals have resulted
from selective breeding for particular traits.
2.2b In recent years new varieties of farm plants and animals have been engineered by manipulating
their genetic instructions to produce new characteristics.
2.2c Different enzymes can be used to cut, copy, and move segments of DNA.
Characteristics produced by the segments of DNA may be expressed when these segments are
inserted into new organisms, such as bacteria.
2.2d Inserting, deleting, or substituting DNA segments can alter genes. An altered gene may be
passed on to every cell that develops from it. 2.2e Knowledge of genetics is making possible new
fields of health care; for example, finding genes which may have mutations that can cause disease will
aid in the development of preventive measures to fight disease. Substances, such as hormones and
enzymes, from genetically engineered organisms may reduce the cost and side effects of replacing
missing body chemicals.
NYS P-12 Common Core Learning Standards for Literacy in Science, and Technical
Subjects:
RST.9-12.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical
texts, attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or
inconsistencies in the account.
RST.9-12. 2 determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; summarize complex
concepts, processes, or information presented in a text by paraphrasing them in
simpler but still accurate terms.
RST.9-12. 4 determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domainspecific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical
context relevant to grades 9–12 texts and topics.
RST.9-12. 7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in
diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to
address a question or solve a problem.
RST.9-12. 8 Assess the extent to which the reasoning and evidence in a text support
the author’s claim or a recommendation for solving a scientific or technical problem.
Prior Knowledge Required:
Students need to be familiar with basic genetics:
Genes are passed from parents to offspring and contribute to observable physical
characteristics. Pedigrees are used to track genetic information. All living organisms
store genetic information using the same molecules — DNA and RNA.
Extended notes
Mendel’s inherited, or hereditary, factors—now known as genes—are arranged in
a linear fashion on the chromosomes. Each gene has a definite position, or locus
(plural, loci), on the chromosome. The two alternate genes that control each trait are
called alleles, and they are located in the same position on homologous
chromosomes. This gene–chromosome theory explains the hereditary patterns
observed by Mendel.
Every organism has at least two alleles that govern every trait. As mentioned, these
two genes are passed on—one from the mother and one from the father—to the
offspring. The genes encode information that is expressed as the traits of the
organism, a phenomenon called gene expression.
A single gene (that is, one set of alleles) may control one or several traits.
Alternatively, some traits are determined by more than one gene (that is, by more
than one set of alleles).
Genes that are “on” are expressed, while those that are “off” are not expressed.
There are many mechanisms that can switch genes on and off, including
intracellular chemicals, enzymes, regulatory proteins, and the cell’s environment. In
addition, a particular gene may alternately be expressed or inactivated, depending
on the cell’s needs at the time.
The patterns of inheritance of certain traits can be traced in families for a number of
generations.
Knowledge of human heredity has been gathered indirectly through studies of
human pedigree charts and materials obtained in the course of genetics
counseling. These patterns can be illustrated in pedigree charts that show the
presence or absence of certain genetic traits in each generation. The use of a
pedigree chart may also make it possible to identify carriers of recessive genes.
Some human genetic disorders can be detected either before or after birth by the
use of a simple blood or urine test, karyotyping, and amniocentesis.
Biochemists have learned that the DNA of the chromosomes is the genetic material
that is passed from generation to generation. Genes are sections of DNA
(deoxyribonucleic acid) molecules. DNA controls cellular activities by controlling
the production of enzymes. DNA, unlike any other chemical compound, can make
exact copies of itself—that is, DNA can replicate. This process, called DNA
replication is a necessary part of the chromosome replication that occurs during
mitosis and meiosis. The hereditary information is in the sequence of the
nucleotides in DNA molecules. The DNA nucleotide sequence determines the
sequence of amino acids in enzymes and other proteins. The genetic control of
protein synthesis involves RNA as well as DNA.
Protein synthesis begins with the synthesis of messenger RNA molecules, which
then move from the nucleus into the cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, the strand of
messenger RNA becomes associated with ribosomes. Amino acids are carried to
the ribosomes and messenger RNA by the transfer RNAs. The anticodons of the
transfer RNAs align with the codons of the messenger RNA. The amino acids carried
by the transfer RNAs bond together in a sequence determined by the base sequence
of the messenger RNA. The resulting chain of amino acids is a polypeptide. Some
proteins consist of a single polypeptide chain, while others include two or more.
Any change in the sequence of nucleotides in a DNA molecule is a gene mutation. If
the mutation occurs in the DNA of the sex cells, it may be inherited. Gene mutations
may involve the addition or deletion of bases, or the substitution of one base for
another. Sickle-cell anemia is caused by the substitution of one incorrect
nitrogenous base in a gene that controls hemoglobin synthesis. The incorrect base
results in the insertion of one incorrect amino acid, which in turn affects the
structure and function of the hemoglobin protein.
(All above notes from Glencoe Science: The Living Environment)
A parasite lives in a close relationship with another organism, its host, and causes it
harm. The parasite is dependent on its host for its life functions. For example,
viruses are common parasites. The parasite has to be in its host to live, grow, and
multiply. Parasites rarely kill their hosts. (biology.arizona.edu)
Great Links:
http://www.biologyjunction.com/biology_projects.htm
Has everything Biology
http://www.hobart.k12.in.us/jkousen/Biology/biotopics.html
Biology course with outline units
http://peer.tamu.edu/curriculum_modules/OrganSystems/index.htm
Organ systems w/activities
http://anthro.palomar.edu/mendel/Default.htm
Basic principles of Genetics
http://www.dnaftb.org/
DNA from beginning
http://www.koshland-science-museum.org/index.jsp
Marian Koshland Museum Very cool infectious diseases/safe water
http://genome.pfizer.com/menulong.cfm
Genome interactive site/genetic diseases
http://www.nature.com/scitable/topic/gene-inheritance-and-transmission-23
Gene inheritance, DNA, Gene Mapping
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/
Genetic science learning center-very Cool