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Genes and Proteins

Investigation 2 – PreLab

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to Investigation 2

ZERO-IN

Italicized font represents information to be shared orally or physically completed with the students at this time.

The non-italicized font represents additional information included to support the teacher’s understanding of the content being introduced within the CELL.

ASK WHY

Remind students that genes are instructions, which tell your body how to make all the proteins it needs to survive and grow. By identifying each of these proteins, scientists hope to better understand how your body works, and what is happening when it doesn’t work properly. They hope this knowledge will eventually lead to more effective medicines and treatments.

BRANCH OUT

Remind students that a statistical geneticist develops software to perform genetic analysis, for example, quantitative trait loci mapping.

GET FOCUSED

Inform students that the Investigation is designed to help them to answer the following Focus Question:

  • Can mutations in DNA cause changes in an organism? Yes, however not all mutations cause changes in an organism.

Note: This question is located in students’ SDRs at the beginning and end of the Investigation.

Note: This is a succinct response to the Focus Question and is placed here for your reference at this time. Fully developed responses to the Focus Questions can be found on the PostLab page.

GO DEEPER

As a class, read the Background(s) in the Investigation. Have students read the information aloud or silently to themselves. When students have finished, discuss the following concept as a class:

  • Mutations in DNA can cause changes in the amino acid sequence of a protein.
  • A protein that is produced when there are no mutations in the gene is called the wild-type protein.
  • Mutant proteins are caused by a change in the DNA that codes for the protein.
  • Proteins fold in a certain way to perform a function. Part of the function of many proteins is to bind or attach to another molecule.
  • Most proteins have a binding site or an active site. A binding or active site is the place where the protein binds or attaches to another molecule. These sites are made of specific amino acids, and their structure is important in helping the protein function properly.
  • Amino acids can be symbolized as a single letter or by a three-letter abbreviation of the name. For example, A or Ala for Alanine.

Note: These concepts are integrated into the Background(s) and are used to deepen students’ comprehension of the big ideas.

 

LEARN THE LabLearner LINGO

  • There are no Key Terms introduced in Investigation 2.

SET FOR SUCCESS

  • Direct students to complete the Recall section in their SDRs. Student answers may vary.                                                             
  • What are the effects of mutations?
  • Do all mutations in DNA have an effect on protein structure?
  • Do all mutations have an effect on protein function?
  • Inform students that in this Investigation, they will explore whether changes in amino acid sequence always cause changes in function.
  • Play the video below. Stop to ask students questions or answer students’ questions when necessary. Remind students to follow along with their SDRs and make any notes that they think might be helpful.
  • After the video, direct students to divide into their lab groups to discuss their strategy for the lab. For example, they may assign certain group members to perform specific functions during the lab.

Note: The purpose of the video is to allow students to anticipate the laboratory experience they will soon encounter. Students should leave this PreLab session with a firm idea of what to expect and how to perform in the lab.

Note: Homework is posted below the video.

HOMEWORK

Tell students that they should review the Investigation in preparation for the Lab.