SBI4U Molecular Genetics
ENDURING KNOWLEDGE: To understand and appreciate the complex process and ethical issues behind
biotechnology and develop their own critical perspectives on these controversial topics.
CULMINATING ACTIVITY or ACTIVITIES: Students will complete a unit test at the end of the unit testing their
basic understanding of the principles of molecular genetics. As a culminating task, they will also be completing a
concept map throughout the unit with a key focus on connections between concepts. The biotechnology proposal
towards the end of the unit is also part of the culminating activities.
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
. d1. Analyse some of the social, ethical, and legal issues associated with genetic research and biotechnology;
. d2. investigate, through laboratory activities, the structures of cell components and their roles in processes that
occur within the cell;
. d3. Demonstrate an understanding of concepts related to molecular genetics, and how genetic modification is
applied in industry and agriculture.
BIG IDEAS
.
.
.
DNA contains all the genetic information for any living organism,
Proteins control a wide variety of cellular processes
Genetic research and biotechnology have social, legal, and ethical implication
QUESTION 1: Why do we age? If we know why, can we reverse or slow down the aging process?
Day 1 :
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Group students into 4s:
using a set of cards
containing four of A, T, C, QShare: https://qshare.queensu.ca/Users01/christie/Science Learning
Activities/Grade 12 Biology/Molecular Genetics
G, U.
Placemat Activity: assess
student’s prior knowledge Introduce Concept Map culminating assignment
about what they know
about molecular genetics
and unpack
Have your own DNA and
Eat it Activity
Day 2
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Discovery of DNA video
DNA extraction activity
with banana.(POE),
chromosomal structure can
be discussed here
Day 3: DNA Replication

http://www.learn360.com/ShowVideo.aspx?ID=146616
Describes discovery of DNA, including Watson and Crick, and some basic
components of DNA
QShare: https://qshare.queensu.ca/Users01/christie/Science Learning
Activities/Grade 12 Biology/Molecular Genetics
Timeline: students are to submit a timeline of major DNA discovery events with
Timeliner. (For grades)
Introduce Discovery of
DNA Timeline Assignment http://www.accesslearning.com/videodetail.cfm?asset_guid=b020b4da-ad46-4d0e-
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af32-658272ebc897
Diagnostic question: In
what manor does DNA
replicate?
DNA replication video, specific mechanism starts at 7:25
Watch DNA replication
video, and have students
complete DNA replication
model clay in groups
Day 4: DNA Replication
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Unpack DNA replication: Padlet.com (previously known as wallwisher)
make some notes together
with Padlet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUuO1sL3pwY
Watch video on telomeres,
add notes to Padlet
ABC news: telomeres and how they control our aging, with some recent
Debate or food for thought
breakthrough research
(depends on time: if
medication for extending
lifespan is available, do you Timeline Assignment DUE
support commercializing it?
QUESTION 2: How does our DNA blueprint dictate every aspect of our body?
Day 5: The Central Dogma
Cracking the code: template attached. Teacher may also choose to come up with
own sentences.
 Cracking the Code activity
 Unpack: make notes on
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/transcription/intro.html
genetic code and its
properties
Biocoach activity. Students work through tutorial and do self quiz. Flipping the
 For next class: Do biocoach
class
activity
Day 6: Transcription
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
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/translation/intro.html
Role play class activity
Students split into groups of
6 or 7 and come up with
Role Play (FORMATIVE)
skit to show process of
transcription.
Biocoach activity. Students work through tutorial and do self quiz. Flipping the
For next class: do biocoach class
activity
Day 7: Translation
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With same group as last
class, role play translation
Level 4 will be awarded if
an accurate analogy is
presented
Role Play (For Grades)
Day 8: Mutations
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DNA mutation activity
Brainstorm other ways to
control gene expression
Day 9: Gene Expression
Regulation:
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Jigsaw activity
Unpack: Venn diagram: trp
and lac operon
See Link in Resources: DNA Mutation Consequences
Brainstorm with MindMap (SmartIdeas)
Jigsaw: Students are divided into groups, with each group assigned a subsection
of 6.4: Regulation of gene expression. They are then numbered and regrouped. For
expert sharing. They must then work together and create a Venn diagram
comparing and contrasting trp and lac operon.
While unpacking, use one or more of the lac operon simulations in the resources
QUESTION 3: Should we be for or against genetically modified food?
For Grades: Students are to choose either, PCR, DNA fingerprinting,
Recombinant DNA, shot-gun sequencing or any other approved biotechnology and
write a short proposal of why they should require more funding with their chosen
Day 10: Biotechnology
biotechnology. The working principles of their technology and references to
counter other technologies must be present as well. Marked with rubric.
 Introduce Proposal
Presentation is feasible if time allows
Assignment (part of
culminating)
Against: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_ztZGbLEJ0,
 Debate for GMOs after
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H9WZGKQeYg
watching videos from both
perspectives
For: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAOHDDaTd6E
Day 11: Review
Who Wants to be a Millionaire
Game.
Day 12: Unit Test
Day 13:
*Note: Media influence can be discussed here as the Against video is slightly
better made and catchier than the FOR video.
http://www.prometheanplanet.com/en/Resources/Item/81457/who-wants-to-be-amillionaire-template#.UWsf_St36L8
Template
Biotechnology proposal DUE. Concept map Culminating Task DUE.
Begin Next Unit…
Cracking the Code Templates
I LOVE TO TEACH BIOLOGY
I USE STUDENT CENTRED ACTIVITIES
I MAJORED IN BIOLOGY IN COLLEGE
I LOVE MAKING CONCEPT MAPS
I WANT TO TRAVEL THE WORLD
I DRINK COFFEE IN THE MORNING
I WENT TO QUEENS UNIVERSITY
I LOVE FRIDAY MORNING CLASSES
DNA Template Strand (To be transcribed)
1.TAC – CTA – AAG – TAG – CGA – ATC
2.TAC – ATA – GGG – CTC – AGC – ATC
3.TAC – GTA – TTT – CGA – TTT – ATG – ACT
4.TAC – CTT – CGC – CAA – ACA – ATT
5.TAC – CAG – AAA – GAG – GCT – GTT – ACT
6.TAC – CCC – TCT – TTT – CTC – GCC – ATC
7.TAC – TTA – AAG – GAA – GGA – ATT
8.TAC – CTA – CCT – GCG – GCA – ACT
Name:
Cracking the Code Activity Sheet
Date:
1. mRNA
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
tRNA
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Product
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2. mRNA
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
tRNA
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Product
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3. mRNA
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
tRNA
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Product
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
4. mRNA
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
tRNA
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Product
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
5. mRNA
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
tRNA
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Product
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
6. mRNA
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
tRNA
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Product
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
7. mRNA
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
tRNA
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Product
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
8. mRNA
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
tRNA
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Product
________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Lac Operon Activity – Online Animations and Interactive
Learning
Website 1 – Sumanas Interactive Tutorial
http://www.sumanasinc.com/webcontent/animations/content/lacoperon.html
Website 2 - Lac Operon AP Biology PhET Simulation
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/gene-machine-lac-operon
The goal of this simulation is to help you understand how prokaryotes (note that this is for
prokaryotes and NOT eukaryotes) control gene expression. Specifically, this activity will
simulate an inducible operon called the lac operon used to control the expression of genes that
control lactose levels in bacteria. Again, this is for bacteria only and has nothing to do with
lactose catabolism or lactose intolerance in humans.
Step 1: Drag the lac promoter to the stretch of DNA. Do NOT drag the lacZ gene to the DNA.
What happens? Why is this?
Step 2: Now try dragging the lacZ gene to the DNA and note what happens.
Step 3: Inject some lactose (about 25 molecules should do it) into the simulation. Note what
happens. Specifically, what is lactose being converted into?
Step 4: Note that the lac enzyme continues to be produced even in the absence of lactose. Why is
this a problem? Try dragging the lac operator gene onto the stretch of DNA. What is the result?
Step 5: Now try adding the lacI promoter and gene to the stretch of DNA. What happens?
Step 6: Again, add some lactose (and again, 25 molecules should work well) into the simulation.
What is the INITIAL result of adding lactose when both genes are activated?
Step 7: Do not add any more lactose and watch what transpires. Note what happens and why this
occurs. How could you re-activate the lacZ gene?
Step 8: Now try the lactose transport tab and insert all of the promoters and genes. Add
some lactose and watch to see what transpires. What is the role of the lacY gene? How does
this help the system?
Website 3 – Virtual Cell Advanced Animations
http://vcell.ndsu.edu/animations/lacOperon/index.htm
Introducing: The Lac Operon
The Lac Operon is an example of an inducible system of gene expression. Its
default state is to be inactive. Only when the right catalyst is added to the system,
in this case the sugar lactose, is the process activated, allowing the genes in
question to be expressed.
FIRST LOOK
ADVANCED LOOK
FLASH
An overview of the
lac operon system
and its key
components.
An in-depth look
at the major players
and events that
control the lac
operon system.
An embedded
Flash movie version
of the lac operon
animation