Download Molecular Genetics

Department: Science
Understanding by Design
Course: AP Biology
Standard(s):
1.B.1 Organisms share many conserved core processes and features that evolved and are widely distributed among
organisms today.
3.A.1 DNA, and in some cases RNA, is the primary source of heritable information.
3.B.1 Cells can be activated, produce new products, and retain their activated state through gene regulation.
3.B.2 A variety of intercellular and intracellular signal transmissions mediate gene expression
3.C.1 Changes in genotype can result in changes in phenotype.
3.C.2 Biological systems possess multiple mechanisms that increase genetic variation.
1.D.2 Evidence from many scientific disciplines supports models of the origin of life.
Stage 1: Desired Results
Understandings
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STUDENTS WILL UNDERSTAND:
- Structural and functional evidence supports the relatedness of all domains.
- Genetic information is transmitted from one generation to the next through DNA or RNA.
- DNA and RNA have structural similarities and differences.
- Historical evidence and chemical models of DNA helped to discover and prove its role as the carrier of genetic
information.
- DNA replication ensures continuity of hereditary information.
- The flow of genetic information is from a sequence of nucleic acids in a gene to a sequence of amino acids in a protein.
- Genetic engineering techniques can manipulate the heritable information of DNA or RNA.
- Gene regulation plays a role in determining structure and function of cells.
- Both DNA regulatory sequences and regulatory genes are involved in gene expression.
- In eukaryotes, gene expression is more complex and controlled by regulatory genes, regulatory elements, and
transcription factors which act in concert to modulate expression.
- Gene regulation explains the differences between organisms with similar genes.
- Alterations in a DNA sequence may lead to changes in the polypeptide produced and the consequent phenotype.
- Normal errors in DNA replication and repair and external factors, including radiation and reactive chemicals can cause
random changes, mutations in the DNA.
- Errors in mitosis or meiosis can result in changes in phenotype.
- DNA mutations can be positive, negative, or neutral based on the effect or lack of effect they have on the resulting
protein and the phenotypes that are conferred by the protein.
- Changes in genotype may affect phenotype which, in turn, may affect natural selection and evolution.
- Viral reproduction differs from other reproductive strategies but allows for variation via different mechanisms
- The basic structure of viruses facilitates transfer of genetic information
- Terminology of biotechnology
- The steps in gene cloning with special attention to biotechnology tools that make cloning possible
- The key ideas that make PCR possible
- How gel electrophoresis can be used to separate DNA fragments or protein molecules
- Molecular and genetic evidence from extant and extinct organisms indicates that all organisms on earth share a common
ancestry
Essential Questions
- How are organisms linked by lines of descent from
common ancestry?
- How does heritable information provide for continuity of
life?
- How might the transfer of genetic information produce
variation?
- How does the expression of genetic information involves
cellular and molecular mechanisms?
- Why are the processes through which living systems store,
retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential for
life processes?
Knowledge & Skill
See attached Unit Design sheet
Stage 2: Assessment Evidence
* selected response items
* constructed response items
* quizzes
* unit tests
* lab data analysis
* graded homework assignments
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Performance Task Summary
* lab practicals
* write summary paragraphs
* create learning visuals like graphic organizers
Self-Assessments
* Unit test corrections
* Student graded homework
* Review of "I Can" statements.
Rubric Titles
If performance based task is included for the unit, mention
the title of the rubric with a copy of the rubric
accompanying this sheet.
Other Evidence, Summarized
Other assessment information will be obtained through
observations, classroom participation, class discussion and
interactions, and scaffold learning, as well as data collected
through Mastery Manager.
Stage 3: Learning Activities
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DNA models
Protein Synthesis Analogy
AP Lab 6 Molecular Biology