Module 7 Molecular Genetics

Big Picture

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no . . . it’s . . . it’s Superman! During your youth (and probably even today) you enjoyed playing, imitating and watching your favorite superhero take down the “bad guys”. What made these heroes “super”? These superheroes had special powers above and beyond a regular human being. Whether it be super strength, the ability to fly, or enhanced senses, these powers were usually caused by some sort of freak accident or tragic event. In this module, you will be learn that DNA codes for all of the body’s structures and functions. Mutation can occur in your DNA, and as you explore the causes and effects of these mutations, you can decide if superheroes could ever really exist. Could Peter Parker really have been bitten by a radio-active spider and given his spider-like abilities? Could the Incredible Hulk really be recreated by exposing someone to gamma radiation? Could other, less obvious mutations occur?

Essential Questions

In this Module you will explore the following essential questions:

What is the history of the discovery of DNA?
What is the structure and function of DNA?
What is the significance of finding the DNA code?
How does DNA code our genetic message?
How do new cells get a copy of this message?
How is the genetic code in DNA copied and used to assemble amino acids into proteins?
What kinds of changes in DNA can result in variation?
How can mutations in DNA have both a positive and negative result?
What are the causes of changes in DNA?
What roles do restriction enzymes and ligases play in changing the genome?
What are some technologies involved in genetic engineering?
What are the implications of genetic manipulation?
How can we use base sequences to trace relationships between organisms within a family and between different species?