Examining DNA

Examining DNA

Mutation Station

Learning Target

• I can describe how mutations can cause differences in proteins

• By working collaboratively to examine Superhero DNA

• So that I can understand the function of protein and how they influence our traits.

Warm Up

Spongebob Squarepants is heterozygous for a genetic disease that is RECESSIVE. His wife, Maria Squarepants, showed that she is homozygous dominant for the gene. Should they be concerned about their offspring showing symptoms of the disease? Write out a punnett square and determine the answer.

Multiple Choice

Should Spongebob and Maria Squarepants be worried about the offspring having symptoms of the genetic recessive disease? Be ready to explain your answer.

• Yes

• No

Imagine...

You are a world class geneticist, hired to examine the DNA of famous superheroes! You have the task of determining what happened to their genes in order to make them ”super”. Start thinking about what happens when DNA is changed or damaged.

Discuss with the class

What do you notice about this image?

Open Ended

What do you think happens when DNA is changed or damaged?

Let examine some super hero DNA

Patient #1: Peter Parker

• According to our file, Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider while attending a public exhibition demonstrating the safe handling of nuclear laboratory waste materials. The spider had been irradiated by a particle accelerator used in the demonstration. Making his way home afterwards, Peter was almost hit by a car; when Peter jumped out of the way, he discovered he had somehow gained incredible strength, agility, and the ability to cling to walls, spider-like traits that he immediately associated with the spider bite.

• On the next slide we will examine his DNA

Open Ended

How did the structure of the protein change? Did it have an effect on the patient? Explain in at least 1 sentence.

Patient #2: Clark Kent

• According to the reports, Clark Kent was sent to a less highly advanced planet Earth by his parents from the planet Krypton which was going to explode.  The exposure to the yellow sunlight on Earth would supercharge his cells into living solar batteries and give him incredible powers.  His adopted parents Jonathan and Martha Kent raised him with high moral ideals.  He uses his incredible strength, speed, flight and various other powers to fight evil and protect the innocent. 

• One the next slide, we will examine his DNA

Open Ended

How did the structure of the protein change? Did it have an effect on the patient? Explain in at least 1 sentence.

Patient #3: Carol Danvers

• It was reported to us that Carol Danvers  was kidnapped by Mar-Vell's enemy.  An explosion caused Carol and her Mar-Vell's DNA to merge.  This causes her to possess superhuman strength, fighting ability and endurance.  She also has a "sixth sense" and her superior DNA means she is resistant to most toxins and poisons.  Carol also appears as the character Binary - then she can control heat and gravity.  This means she can survive in vacuums of space.  Other amazing powers include being able to fly at six times the speed of sound and being able to withstand pressure from a 92-ton weight.

• One the next slide, we will examine her DNA.

Open Ended

How did the structure of the protein change? Did it have an effect on the patient? Explain in at least 1 sentence.

Independent time: Listen carefully to the directions :)