The Disease Project
Name
Disease
Semester 1: Research Paper
Per.
Introduction
To help you learn Biology through the units taught in 1st semester, you will study a disease – its characteristics,
mechanisms, symptoms, treatments, transmission, and current research being done to understand it. The goal is that
you gain a deep understanding of the concepts taught in Biology through a disease. To do this, you will research your
disease and write a paper to demonstrate your understanding of Biology through your ties to the disease. In 2nd
semester, the focus will shift to the impact this disease has on humans. You will create a project that incorporates your
interests to teach your peers about your disease.
Outcomes/Products
1st semester Product: Research Paper, 3-5 pages, double spaced, 12-point font. Rough draft required mid-term.
2nd semester Product: Creative Extension Project (details will follow)
Directions
1. Select a disease. You can search for a disease online or choose one from the list provided.
2. As we proceed through our units of study, refer to the list of questions below and continue adding to
your knowledge base by creating a set of notes specifically for your research.
3. Through your writing, demonstrate a mastery of biological ideas (diversity, cells, molecules, genetics)
by explaining these difficult concepts in terms a person who does not have your biology background
could understand.
4. Provide an appropriate combination of examples, explanations, and details that are specific and clear.
5. Keep track of resources used (websites, magazines or articles, books, etc) as you will incorporate this
into a Bibliography/Works Cited page.
6. Incorporate required images in the body of your paper or attach separately.
For each unit (Diversity of Life, Cell Structure and Function, Molecules of Life, and Genetics), answer the
guiding questions below and use that information as the base of your paper. These questions serve as guides, so
direct answers to these questions without elaboration only meet minimum expectations.
Disease Project Part I: The Research Paper
Introduction
Treat this like an abstract to a research paper – its purpose is to prepare your reader for the topics you will discuss
and to give a broad base for your paper. Introduce the general features of your disease by describing its cause,
symptoms, treatments, and any current research being conducted to study this disease.
Diversity of Life
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What organism(s) is/are primarily affected by the disease?
How many people are affected by this disease?
What organisms are used in researching this disease and how are they used?
What is the history of this disease in human (or non-human populations, if applicable)? Did this disease play a role in shaping
any societies or populations of humans? If so, what?
Infectious diseases: What infectious agents (organisms) are involved in causing the disease symptoms? How are they
involved? Describe the demographics of the diseased.
Genetic/Cell function diseases: Which groups of people are most affected by the disease (if any) and what could be a genetic
cause for this?
Cell Structure and Function
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
What types of cells are affected by the disease (e.g., liver, heart, brain, red blood cells, etc)?
Which part of the cells are affected (mitochondria, lysosomes, membrane)?
What is the cellular mechanism of the disease? In other words, how does the disease affect the cells of the body?
Draw a healthy cell and an affected cell. Hand-drawn images only. Printed pictures will not count.
How is an affected cell different from a healthy cell?
Infectious disease: Describe the cellular structure of the infectious agent and hand-draw your infectious agent.
Infectious disease: Describe the effect of the infectious agent on the cells of the body.
Molecules of Life (proteins, carbohydrates, fats)
1.
2.
3.
4.
What molecules are involved in your disease?
How are molecules involved in your disease?
Is the disease caused by the presence of, absence of and/or misshaped molecule? If so, how?
Infectious disease: How are molecules involved in the mechanism of the infectious agent?
Genetics
Genetic/Cell Function disease:
1. Is this disease transmitted through a genetic mutation, chromosomal abnormality, or something else? Explain.
2. Explain what type of genetic mutation (frameshift, repeats, point, etc) affects the disease gene OR what type of
chromosomal abnormality is involved in the disease.
3. Is the disease caused by a somatic or gametic mutation? Explain how either type of mutation impacts the organism.
4. Is there a single mutation or are there multiple types? Explain.
5. Explain the inheritance pattern of this disease and how it is passed from generation to generation.
Infectious disease:
1. Explain how the genetic material of the infectious agent affects the host. Are there any intermediary hosts?
2. Does the infectious agent manipulate the host in any way? If so, describe how.
Bibliography
We will use APA Format for our Bibliography. Visit https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ for formatting help.
Scoring Rubric
Will follow as due date for First (“rough”) Draft approaches
First Draft due on
-
Introduction
Diversity of Life
Cell Structure and Function
Molecules of Life (extra credit?)
Bibliography
OPTIONAL
but highly recommended!
Extra Credit for Semester 2 as well 
Student BioExpo
If you are interested in using your paper/research/creative project to compete in a state-wide competition,
please let your teacher know and s/he will provide you with the details to get you started. Adding this sort of
experience to your resume is invaluable.
Interested? https://www.nwabr.org/events-programs/student-events/2015-student-bio-expo
Mission Statement
The mission of the Student Bio Expo is to promote an understanding of bioscience research among high school students. We
provide access to scientific resources and engage students in new creative ways to demonstrate what they know and are able
to do within the disciplines of biotechnology and biomedicine. By connecting students, teachers, scientists, and the general
public together, we strengthen our life sciences community.