Mutations and Gene Editing       (IB Topic D1.3)

Essential Idea(s): Gene mutations play a central role in genetic variation and evolution. New technology, in particular CRISPR-Cas9, has given rise to new ethical considerations and techniques to editing genes at will.

Unit Length: 3 Lessons (+2 AHL)

  Guiding Questions

◊ How do gene mutations occur?

◊ What are the consequences of gene mutation?

Materials:

Self-Teaching Slides (SL) / Self-Teaching Slides (AHL) Quizlet Vocab Set (Mutations) / Quizlet Vocab Set (Gene Mutations)
Notes Template (SL) / Notes Template (AHL)

 

IB Statement(s) and Objective(s)

 

D1.3.1: Gene mutations as structural changes to genes at the molecular level

  • Define mutation
  • Define “frameshift” mutation

 

D1.3.2: Consequences of base substitutions

  • Outline the impact of genetic code degeneracy on the effect of mutations
  • Define single-nucleotide polymorphism
  • State a use of SNPs in identifying causes of disease

 

D1.3.3: Consequences of insertions and deletions

  • Distinguish between base substitution, insertion and deletion mutations

 

D1.3.4: Causes of gene mutation

  • Outline causes of gene mutation
  • Define mutagen
  • State the 3 types of mutagens and give an example of each

 

D1.3.5: Randomness in mutation

  • Discuss the impact of randomness of gene mutations
  • State that no natural mechanism is known for making a deliberate change to a DNA sequence

 

D1.3.6: Consequences of mutation in germ cells and somatic cells

  • Compare the consequences of a germ cell versus somatic cell mutation

 

D1.3.7: Mutation as a source of genetic variation

  • Outline the role of genetic mutation in the proliferation of life
  • State the source of new alleles of a gene

Additional Higher Level Topics

D1.3.8: Gene knockout as a technique for investigating the function of a gene by changing it to make it inoperative

  • State the function of gene knockout studies
  • Outline the use of using a library of models as “knockout organisms”

 

D1.3.9: Use of the CRISPR sequences and the enzyme Cas9 in gene editing

  • Outline uses of CRISPR Cas9 gene editing
  • Describe the process of gene editing using CRISPR Cas9
  • Outline the ethical implications of gene editing

 

D1.3.10: Hypotheses to account for conserved or highly conserved sequences in genes

  • Define “conserved sequence” of DNA
  • Give examples of other highly conserved genes
  • State a hypothesis that accounts for conserved sequences between species

Activities: ⓟ = podcast / ⍰ = inquiry 5 / ⓦ = Write it /  Ӕ = The academy  / Ⓡ = Read it

Debate It!: Role play a live TV Discussion about the Controversy of Clinical Trials (👬👭👫 max: entire class) 

Genetic engineering is leading to unprecedented rates of new drugs being released on the market. Approving those drugs can be a challenging and difficult process. Jump into the following role play and enjoy a good debate! Here’s the scenario: A German pharmaceutical company is seeking FDA approval for a new drug to be released in the USA . You will each get a background sheet to give you the details of the role of the person you will play. Get together and record your “live TV” discussion, then submit your audio to G. Classroom.

Background sheets: 

*Note for teachers: This entire role play is based on a historical real-world example that many will find surprising. Request approval for this document for access to the specifics.  

—————————————–

 

Debate It!: The Controversy of GMOs 

(👬👭👫 max: entire class) 

Take on one of three roles for this debate: Pro GMO, Against GMO, or undecided. Those undecided will serve as judges, and will need to question each of the other teams to convince them to adopt their point of view. Follow these suggested debate guidelines, and have at it (you can choose to record this OR do it live in class). Here is a suggested sheet to help you prep for a good GMO debate. 

 

 

 

Ӕ: The academy – How CRISPR-Cas9 Technology Works (💁)

Create a Khan Academy-style video to explain how CRISPR-Cas9 technology works. Make sure you cover the details – including the role of bacterial cells, what CRISPR actually means, the Cas9 enzyme, and guide RNA. Go here for inspiration.

 

ⓟ (recommended): The DNA Revolution (👭 max 3)

Note: this can also be done in the next unit: Mutations and Gene Editing (D1.3)

The discovery of DNA was just the beginning. In 2012, CRISPR finally unlocked the ability that was previously science fiction: the ability to freely edit DNA. Discuss the implications of the history of DNA: Choose either a historical moment in DNA’s history (e.g. Franklin and Wilkins), OR the outlook for the future of DNA technology – and make your finest podcast to date. Follow the directions on this assignment sheet. 

 

ⓟ/ⓦ: The World’s Most Dangerous Animal (💁/ 👭 max 3)

In a single year, there are 200-300 million cases of malaria and 50-100 million cases of dengue fever worldwide. So: Why haven’t we found a way to effectively kill mosquitoes yet? Genetic engineering presents a potential solution: make male mosquitoes sterile, then releasing them into the wild. Watch this insightful TED talk, and discuss: 1) What is Aedes aegypti, and why is it considered the most dangerous animal?;  2) What is Hadyn Parry suggesting as a genetic engineering solution to the mosquito problem?;  3) How would this solution work, and what might the potential pros and cons of his solution be? 

 

ⓟ/ⓦ: Kurzgesagt – Are GMOs Good or Bad? (💁/ 👭 max 2)

The team at Kurzgesagt cut a great video to summarize the science behind the ongoing GMO debate. Watch the video, and in writing/with your fellow podcasters, discuss: 1) What exactly is a GMO, and how are they currently used?; 2) Why are GMOs so controversial?; 3) What are the pros and cons of GMOs; and 4) What is your position on GMOs – a gift of science or a health disaster waiting to happen?