Module 7 Molecular Genetics

Lesson 3.7.4

Lesson 4—Changes in the Genetic Code

Get Focused

Do genetic superheroes exist? It depends on your definition of “superhero.” On the African subcontinent, communities are ravaged by malaria. The genetic makeup of those communities is changing, but it isn’t changing in the areas without malaria. In Africa, the gene for sickle cell anemia is increasing in frequency in the population’s gene pool. People with one copy of the sickle cell gene can survive malaria. These individuals are stronger, live longer, and pass the gene to their children. In this lesson we will explore how random changes (mutations) can be a source of genetic variation in a population. Sometimes these variations can be adaptive and give the organism a competitive advantage.

This lesson will address the following focusing questions:

• 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?

This lesson should take approximately 90 minutes to complete.

Module 7: Lesson 4 Assignment

There is no assignment for this lesson but you are still responsible for the content of the lesson for test purposes.

Here is a tutorial video for this lesson that you can watch if it suits your learning style.  Bio30 tut# 3.7.4 Mutation