Module 7
1. Module 7
1.1. Big Picture
Module 7—Molecular Genetics: DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis
Big Picture
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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 favourite 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 learn that DNA codes for all of the body’s structures and functions. Mutation can occur in your DNA. As you explore the causes and effects of these mutations, you can decide whether superheroes could ever really exist. Could Peter Parker really have been bitten by a radioactive spider and given his spider-like abilities? Could the Incredible Hulk really be created by exposure to gamma radiation? Could other, less obvious mutations occur?
Explaining the transmission of traits at the molecular level by understanding the structure of DNA, its role in protein synthesis, and how it could mutate will help you determine the answers to some of these questions.
In Module 7 you will explore the following focusing questions:
- What is the history of the discovery of DNA?
- What is the structure 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 base sequences be used to trace relationships between organisms within a family and between different species?
You have been introduced to the focusing questions for this module. Each lesson will restate these focusing questions to guide your study. To help you organize the concepts you learn in Module 7 and to provide you with a study aid for review before you complete the Module Assessment, you may choose to download the Module 7 Concept Organizer.
Fill in this concept organizer with the ideas you master as you work through each lesson, or prepare the organizer when you have completed Module 7. You can use keywords, point form, or any amount of detail that meets your needs. You may choose to work from the file on your computer, print the document and work from the paper copy, or copy the outline onto a large sheet of poster paper. After you have prepared your concept organizer, you may wish to check your work with the concept organizer provided in the Module Summary. The concept organizer provided outlines some of the key topics that you should include in each lesson of your concept organizer. This is a great tool to review and use for study purposes, but using this organizer is completely your choice.
In the Module Assessment for Module 7, you will act as a hematologist, presenting your proposed cure for the genetic condition of sickle cell anemia to investors representing drug companies. Your presentation must include the following components:
- a description of the biological and societal effects of sickle cell anemia
- an explanation of how the mutation occurred
- a technical explanation of how your proposed cure would correct the DNA mutation through genetic engineering
- an explanation of why your proposal, if done at the zygote stage, would be a permanent cure
For more details about the Module Assessment, refer to the Module Summary.