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No organism lives forever. The length of time animals and humans live is influenced by their genes. Scientists have made astonishing discoveries concerning the role of genetics in determining life span and this holds promise of extending the lives of animals and humans. This program explains Genetics, DNA and genetic theories of aging. It illustrates the genetic processes behind cellular aging and shows how genes affect life span. Discover the reasons why cells age and why a certain enzyme can effectively turn back the hands of our "biological clock."
DNA Structure and Replication covers the following topics:
~ the historical debate between proteins and DNA as genetic material and the relevant experiments
~ DNA structure including nucleotide structure, purines and pyrimidines, strand structure and complimentary strands, and 3' vs. 5' ends
~ a detailed look at chromosomal replication
More Genetic Technology covers the following topics:
~ the process and uses of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
~ gene cloning
~ recombinant technology as it relates to genetic modification
~ stem cells
~ cloning of plants and animals
~ problems and societal concerns related to organismal cloning and embryonic stem cells.
Multiple Trait Inheritance looks at Mendel's discovery of independent assortment. A number of problems involving multiple genes are presented and solved.
Mutation and Control of Gene Expression examines the types (various point and frame shift mutations), causes and mechanisms responsible, and the downstream consequences of mutation. The program also looks at pre and post transcriptional control of gene expression (primarily in eukaryotes).
Protein Synthesis: Transcription and Translation compares the structure, functions, and relationships of DNA vs. RNA; looks at the types of RNA; explains the central dogma; and takes a detailed look at transcription and translation ending with transcribing and translating a portion of a chromosome into the amino acid sequence it encodes.
~ solves several single trait genetics word problems
~ discusses and determines genotypes in pedigrees
~ considers and looks at examples of complete and incomplete dominance
~ defines multiple alleles
~ solves a pedigree involving Landsteiner blood types
DNA DVD looks first at the structure of DNA before going on to describe how DNA carries out its four major functions: the storage of information; the replication of information; creating slight changes in the information through mutations that forces of natural selection act upon; and the translating of information into the proteins that define an individual. During this discussion students are introduced to: point mutations; insertions and deletions; the genetic code; transfer, messenger, and ribosomal RNA; and the process of replication and translation.
DNA is a blueprint for each of our identities. The way our genes are expressed affects how our bodies function, what we look like, and who we are, in general. Learn how this important and complex molecule functions.
Learning Objectives:
1) Students will learn what DNA is and they will become familiar with its structure.
2) Students will understand the function of DNA in the human body during the replication of cells, during the formation of new reproductive cells, and in the synthesis of proteins for gene expression.
3) Students will learn about some of the practical applications of genetic engineering.
Help your students learn why the Human Genome Project is revolutionary. The goal of the project (already achieved in rough form in 2001) is to decipher all of the genes in the human species, that is, to make public the detailed blueprints for making a human being.
This program takes you inside an automated gene sequencing laboratory where your students will learn how human genes are isolated, fragmented and how their DNA base sequences are determined. Controversial ethical issues are also addressed.
Why do people have different skin colors? Why do birds have wings and people don't? Why aren't we all alike? These are genetic questions that kids often wonder about and in this program kids help kids understand it's all a matter of DNA and RNA. They show that DNA is like an architect; but instead of building houses, it builds living things. It builds them by communications to the cell using only 4 letters in its alphabet; making 3-letter words; then sentences. Messenger RNA copies down sentences that DNA gives and tells the cell the work it has to do. This "language" is a blueprint for each of us and affects who we are and what we look like.
Review
~ "This production makes use of student drawings and student narrators. Classroom teachers Maria Louisa Bedin, Gabriella Pelli, and Franco Panora should be congratulated for their efforts because this was undoubtedly a wonderful learning experience for their classes." -EMR Online
Clearly and simply presents basic information on one of the most important concepts in modern science-the gene. New computer animations help clarify the concepts. Includes guided questions and quizzes to help teachers reinforce concepts recommended in the National Science Standards.
Part 1. How Genes Were Discovered. Dramatizes the history of genetic discovery from Mendel in his monastery garden to Watson and Crick at the Cavendish Laboratory in England.
Part 2. What Is a Gene and How Does It Work? Outlines the basic picture we have today of what a gene is and how it works. Includes new material on cloning and the human genome project.
In The Gene the keys to scientific literacy include: adenine, amino acids, biochemist, chromosomes, cloning, Francis Crick, cytosine, differentiation, DNA, double helix, enzymes, Rosalind Franklin, gene gun, genetics, genome project, guanine, meiosis, Gregor Mendel, mitosis, mutation, ovary, protein, restriction enzyme, RNA, thymine, James Watson.
This DVD offers a unique and witty look at the Mendelian Model of Inheritance, and at other basic concepts of genetics, as well.
Learning Objectives:
1) Causes of physical differences within a particular species will be explained.
2) Various laws of inheritance that resulted from the experiments of Gregor Mendel will be discussed.
3) Students will receive a foundation for further study on the subject of basic genetics.
State-of-the-art computer graphics guide the viewer through the world of deoxyribonucleic acid. Objectives include composition and structure, as well as replication. We'll also look at genetic expression through two stages of transcription and translation.
Learning Objectives:
1) Students will learn how the genetic blueprint is passed on.
2) Students will hear an explanation about genetic transcription and translation.
3) The way in which DNA molecules are composed will be illustrated.
Clear graphics, live action photography, and computer animation reveal to middle school students the fascinating world of Mendelian genetics. Mendel's pea plant experiments are reproduced to illustrate how genetic traits are passed on from one generation to the next. Along the way various terms are defined and understood, such as purebred, cross, genes, alleles, dominant and recessive. Students also learn how to understand Punnet squares to determine the probability that particular traits will show up in successive generations.
DVD (Closed Captioned, With Teacher's Resource Book) / 2001 / (Grades 6-8) / 23 minutes
BREAKING THE CODE... tells the dramatic story of the race to map and decode every gene in the human body and what that means for the future of medicine. The winners of this race will hold the blueprint to eradicate deadly diseases, manipulate genetic makeup and uncover genetic flaws in the embryo.
The program also tells the emotionally charged human stories of those with deadly diseases who are racing against the clock to stay alive until cures are found. For the first time, Breaking the Code opens the door to the new and extraordinary world of genetics through a dramatic race that will have an immense impact on all of us. Through intimate access and personal stories it reveals how the secrets of our genetic code will change our lives - forever.
Judith Kinnear, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
An introductory genetics simulation on the mating of cats selected by color, pattern and tail presence. Covers the basics of single gene traits: dominant/ recessive/ incomplete/ autosomal/ sex-linked. Students recognize genetic ratios, probability and the importance of sample size as offspring are generated. Extends skills in planning crosses, predicting mating outcomes and interpreting experimental results. CATLAB gives students the opportunity to formulate genetic models, control variables, then test and revise hypotheses. It is specifically designed to help students understand and use the processes of scientific reasoning. Phenotypes are displayed with actual cat photos. Includes statistical analysis option and multilevel student activities.
Review
~ "User-friendly..this is an exciting way to teach genetics." - Judy Jones, Chapel Hill NC High School
Structure and operation of the coded chromosome message that controls the organization of all life. Features building the DNA molecule from sugars, phosphates and the bases; transcription of mRNA; amino acid codes; protein synthesis via tRNA; mutations and simulation of their effects. Extensive graphics and interaction.
Includes the base sequences of two actual genes plus option to enter a custom gene. Mutation by point, addition or deletion can be made to any part of gene. Then normal and mutated genes are compared through: DNA-promoter-RNA-amino acid sequence and protein fold structure.
Review
~ "..interesting, motivates students. On a scale of 1 to 10, this a 9." - The Science Teacher
Introductory Genetics
Mendel's laws: homozygous and heterozygous offspring; segregation, dominance and independent assortment. Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses with interactive Punnett square and probability activities. Incomplete dominance. Sex chromosomes; sex determination and linkage; carriers. Random mating simulation develops genotype and phenotype ratios. Inbreeding experimentation shows the probability of a harmful gene being expressed.
Kangasaurus-Transmission Genetics
An advanced simulation that provides an open framework for discovering and mastering genetics. Students design a genetic system, manipulate variables, observe the effects and predict the outcomes of crosses to test hypotheses. Option for computer setup of genetic system for students to solve. Extensive visual images enhance reasoning and help develop new relation-ships. Variables include number of autosomes; sex chromosome system; gene type, loci and function; dominance; number of alleles; gene lethality, linkage and crossing over.
Karyotypes & Genetic Disorders
An interactive simulation and database provide a hands-on lab to explore human karyotypes and the genetic disorders that can be diagnosed with this technique. Features animated sequences of major types of chromosome errors. Students analyze an unknown karyotype, determine whether it is normal or not, and then locate and identify chromosome anomalies. A database of genetic disorders with search options for type of disorder, chromosome error and symptom encourages further research. Web links for further research.
Natural Selection
Discovering the relation between natural selection and genetics. Punnett square activities show effects of selection on gene frequencies. Polymorphism is graphically illustrated by the classic case of phenotype frequency changes in a moth population. Experiments on the effects of industrial pollution on a moth population illustrate the impact of changes in systems. Students vary gene frequencies, pollution levels and number of generations. Results are displayed on data tables and graphs.
Review
~ "-genetics at its most accurate, most active, most student involved." - THE QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY
Award
~ Excellence in Education Award MEDIA & METHODS
A complete genetics unit in 7 parts. Mendel's laws: homozygous and heterozygous offspring; segregation, dominance and independent assortment. Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses with interactive Punnett square and probability activities. Incomplete dominance. Sex chromosomes; sex determination and linkage; carriers. Random mating simulation develops genotype and phenotype ratios. Inbreeding experimentation shows the probability of a harmfulgene being expressed. Extensive photos and animation. Lab activities are included.
Review
~ "Good examples, thorough coverage." - Lawrence Hall of Science Univ. of Calif, - Berkeley
Judith Kinnear - The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
A fascinating simulation that provides an open framework for discovering and mastering genetics concepts. Students design the genetic system for an imaginary "Kangasaurus", manipulate variables, observe effects and predict the outcomes of crosses to test hypotheses. Option for computer setup of genetic system for students to solve. Features extensive visual images that enhance students' reasoning and help them to see new relationships. Variables include:
number of autosomes; sex chromosome system; gene type, locus and function; number of alleles; gene lethality, linkage and crossing over. Lab activities are provided.
Review
~ "Kangasaurus is the most flexible, best documented, and most useful genetics program I have ever experienced." - THE SCIENCE TEACHER
An interactive simulation and database provide a hands-on lab to explore human karyotypes and the genetic disorders that can be diagnosed with this technique. Features animated sequences of the major types of chromosome errors. Students analyze an unknown karyotype, determine whether it is normal or not, and then locate and identify chromosome anomalies. A database of genetic disorders with search options for type of disorder, chromosome error and symptom plus web links encourage further research. Student activities are included.
Review
~ "Makes human genetics fun, challenging and understandable." - Caroline Purser Moon Valley HS, Phoenix AZ
This DVD contains detailed illustrations which covers most of techniques used in DNA cloning. Live footage of most common technique is also shown in enough details.
Volume 1:
~ Introduction
~ Restriction & Modifying Enzymes
~ Bacteriophage Infection
~ Genomic Library
~ Plasmid Preparation
~ Gel Electrophoresis
~ DNA Subcloning
~ DNA Hybridization
Volume 2:
~ Southern Blot & its applications
~ Dot Blot
~ DNA Sequencing
~ DNA Mutations
~ PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
~ DNA Footprinting
~ Nuclease S1 Protection Assay
~ Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis
~ Western Blot
Discovering the relation between natural selection and genetics. Punnett square activities show effects of selection on gene frequencies. Polymorphism is graphically illustrated by the classic case of phenotype frequency changes in a moth population. Experiments on the effects of industrial pollution on a moth population illustrate the impact of changes in systems. Students vary gene frequencies, pollution levels and number of generations. Results are displayed on data tables and graphs. Lab activities included.
Review
~ "Easy to use, good presentation." - Lawrence Hall of Science Univ. of Calif, - Berkeley