Presents a laboratory exercise that demonstrates the sensitivity of the Polymerase Chain Reaction as well as its potential application to forensic analysis during a criminal investigation. Can also be used to introduce, review, and integrate population and molecular genetics topics such as genotypes, multiple alleles, allelic and genotypic…

Describes a learning model that can be used to help students understand the process of genetic translation. (ZWH)

This booklet, one of six in the Living Things Science series, presents activities about heredity and genetics which address basic "Benchmarks" suggested by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for the Living Environment for grades 3-5. Contents include background information, vocabulary (in English and Spanish),…

Reviews much of what is known about microtubules, which are biopolymers consisting predominantly of subunits of the globular protein, tubulin. Describes the functions of microtubules, their structure and assembly, microtube associated proteins, and microtubule-disrupting agents. (TW)

Updates knowledge on nitrogen fixation, indicating that investigation of free-living nitrogen-fixing organisms is proving useful in understanding bacterial partners and is expected to lead to development of more effective symbioses. Specific areas considered include biochemistry/genetics, synthesis control, proteins and enzymes, symbiotic systems,…

Presents an activity to construct DNA and RNA models consisting of hundreds of nucleotide units. Provides students with insight into the composition and use of the DNA code. (JRH)

Presents an activity that aims at enabling students to recognize that DNA and RNA are information molecules whose function is to store, copy, and make available the information in biological systems, without feeling overwhelmed by the specialized vocabulary and the minutia of the central dogma. (JRH)

Describes a simple method for extracting bacterial DNA for use in laboratory investigations to study genetic transformation in bacteria. (BR)

Described is a laboratory exercise designed to introduce students to the theory and practice of gene mapping including RNA extraction, sucrose density gradient centrifugation, labelling of nucleic acids in vitro, DNA extraction, digestion of DNA with restriction enzymes, and the southern hybridization analysis. Procedures and sample results are…

The confusion by students on the use of three terms in their writing is discussed. The definitions of catabolite repression, constitutive, and ribosome binding site, given in the glossaries of 10 textbooks, are compared with the use of these terms in students' papers. (KR)

Describes a model system to illustrate many of the biochemical and chromosomal processes involved in the transmission of genetic material. Uses commercially available beads. (BR)

Suggests a new experiment to study the genetic material of eukaryotes. It is based on the rapid growth and interest of the research on chromatin. (TW)

Described is a laboratory activity in which high school students may perform a karyotype analysis of their own chromosomes. Materials and procedures are detailed. A source of materials for this exercise is provided. (CW)

Describes current methods for the synthesis of DNA. Also describes the use of DNA as a highly specific molecular probe and as an agent for the mutation of genes. (DH)

Describes advances made in the understanding of how sex hormones may modify various cognitive skills, how normal brain signaling mechanisms may cause nerve cell death, and how many cells appear to hold genetic agents which determine their own destruction. (RT)