Module 7

Module 7—Molecular Genetics: DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis

Module Summary

 

In this module, you explored the following overarching question:

• How can the transmission of traits at the molecular level be explained by understanding the structure of DNA, its role in protein synthesis, and how it could mutate?

In this module you learned about the historical events that led to the discovery of DNA and its structure. You learned how this amazingly simple and yet complicated structure can code for genetic traits, make copies of itself, and direct the synthesis of protein (the major component of so many body parts, like the hormones you learned about in Unit A as well as enzymes).

 

There are enzymes that can clip DNA apart, and enzymes that put it back together in a new way. You explored sources of variation and its application in various technologies. You looked at societal, medical, and ethical issues related to the field of genetic technology, which is rapidly developing many ways to alter genetic traits and treat genetic diseases. Furthermore, you saw that DNA has the tendency to stay the same, and yet it changes through mutation. These changes are random and can result in abnormalities. They can also provide a source of variability that is the basis for evolution. You saw that you can trace relationships among organisms of different species by comparing their genetic material.

 

To review and summarize the concepts of Module 7, you may wish to read the Module 7 Concept Organizer. You may have saved a copy of this document when you encountered it at the beginning of Module 7. If you didn’t, you may download it now. The concept organizer provides an outline of the lessons and the focusing questions for each lesson you studied in Module 7.

 

Fill in the concept organizer with the ideas that you have mastered in each lesson, and show how these ideas helped you answer the focusing questions. 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. This is a great tool to review and use for study purposes.

 

Before you begin the Module Assessment, you may wish to complete some of the questions on pages 664 to 665 in your textbook as a review.

 

Before you begin your Unit C Assessment, you may wish to complete some of the review questions found on pages 668 to 671 of your textbook. Your teacher may suggest questions for you to complete and provide feedback about your responses.

 

Module Assessment

 

Scenario: As a hematologist, a scientist who studies various aspects of blood, you are presenting your proposed cure for the genetic condition of sickle cell anemia to investors representing drug companies. Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition caused when DNA mutates and a protein determining the red blood cell’s (RBC) shape changes. The RBC becomes sickle shaped and can no longer carry oxygen efficiently, resulting in anemia. These investors are not scientists. Your presentation must be understandable to them. Your presentation must include the following components:

• a description of the biological and societal effects of sickle cell anemia (include a comparison of the amino acid sequences of the mutation to the normal cell and how the disease impacts quality of life)
  
  
• an explanation of how the mutation occurred relative to the DNA code, showing all steps involved, from the protein back to the DNA code
  
  
• 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

Your presentation can take the form of a PowerPoint (multimedia presentation), a video or audio recording, a live presentation, an essay, or a poster.

 

The following rubric will be used to assess your presentation.

 

	4 marks	3 marks	2 marks	1 mark
Biological effects of sickle cell anemia	Biological effects of sickle cell anemia are clearly and accurately described	Biological effects of sickle cell anemia are described	Biological effects of sickle cell anemia are somewhat described	Biological effects of sickle cell anemia are poorly described
Societal effects of sickle cell anemia	Societal effects of sickle cell anemia are clearly and accurately described	Societal effects of sickle cell anemia are described	Societal effects of sickle cell anemia are somewhat described	Societal effects of sickle cell anemia are poorly described
Comparison of mutated and normal sequences	Comparison of mutated and normal sequences is complete, clear, and correct	Comparison of mutated and normal sequences are described	Comparison of mutated and normal sequences was attempted	Comparison of mutated and normal sequences was incorrect
Steps involved in mutation	All steps involved in mutation are clearly and accurately described	Steps involved in mutation are described	Steps involved in mutation are somewhat described	Steps involved in mutation are poorly described
Proposed cure	Proposed cure would correct the disease and is clearly explained	Proposed cure may correct the disease and is explained	Proposed cure may correct the disease, but is poorly explained	Proposed cure will not correct the disease and is poorly explained
Explanation of zygote stage cure permanence	Explanation is accurate and clear	Explanation is correct	Explanation is weak, but correct	Explanation is weak and faulty
Presentation	Presentation was directed to correct audience level, well–organized, and presented	Presentation was directed to correct audience level and was organized	Presentation was acceptable	Presentation was poor

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