Affiliation:
1. MICHAEL I. DORRELL is a Professor of Biology at Point Loma Nazarene University. He is also a senior staff scientist consultant at the Lowy Medical Research Institute and an adjunct professor at the Scripps Research Institute; e-mail: mdorrell@pointloma.edu.
2. JENNIFER E. LINEBACK is an Associate Professor at Point Loma Nazarene University with a joint appointment in the Biology Department and the School of Education. She is also the Department Chair of Cross-Disciplinary Studies within the School of Education; e-mail: jenlineback@pointloma.edu.
Abstract
The central dogma of molecular biology is key to understanding the relationship between genotype and phenotype, although it remains a challenging concept to teach and learn. We describe an activity sequence that engages high school students directly in modeling the major processes of protein synthesis using the major components of translation. Students use a simple system of codes to generate paper chains, allowing them to learn why codons are three nucleotides in length, the purpose of start and stop codons, the importance of the promoter region, and how to use the genetic code. Furthermore, students actively derive solutions to the problems that cells face during translation, make connections between genotype and phenotype, and begin to recognize the results of mutations. This introductory activity can be used as an interactive means to support students as they learn the details of translation and molecular genetics.
Publisher
University of California Press
Subject
General Agricultural and Biological Sciences,Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous),Education
Reference9 articles.
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5. NGSS Lead States (2013). Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By States (HS-LS3-1 and HS-LS3-2). Washington, DC: National Academies Press.
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