Mutations (IB Topic D1.3)

Essential Idea(s): Gene mutations play a central role in genetic variation and evolution, but can also lead to disease.

Unit Length: 2 Lessons

  Guiding Questions

◊ How do gene mutations occur?

◊ What are the consequences of gene mutation?

Materials:

Self-Teaching Slides (SL)

 Quizlet Vocab Set (Mutations)
Notes Template (SL) 

 

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

ⓟ/ⓦ: 1 mutation in 6 billion = A Life-Debilitating Disease (The Story of Sickle Cell Anemia) (💁/ 👭 max 2)

Sickle Cell Anemia starts with a single mutation of a single nucleotide on a single gene. It results in an extensive list of symptoms, often which end in an early death. Learn about the cause of sickle-cell anemia, and discuss: 1) What is a mutation?;  2) What causes sickle cell?; and 3) How can a single mutation result in so many symptoms?  

 

Debate It! (recommended): 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. 

 

ⓟ (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.