Activity Description :

 

Students model RNA splicing using a sandwich analogy with an encrypted recipe and then alter the model to depict alternative splicing.

 

ACTIVITY TYPE(S) : Worksheet, Discussion

DURATION :  30 minutes

SUBJECT AREAS : AP Biology and Biotechnology Pathways 

KEY CONCEPTS : Split genes, RNA splicing, alternative RNA splicing

LEARNING OBJECTIVES :
Students will be able to distinguish introns from exons.
Students will be able to model RNA splicing.
Students will be able to explain alternative RNA splicing.

BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE NEEDED : Protein synthesis — The process by which cells create proteins, consisting of transcription (DNA to RNA) and translation (RNA to protein).

 

STANDARDS ALIGNMENT : 

NGSS MS-LS3-1:  Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism.

NGSS HS-LS1-1: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life.