Protein Synthesis, Mutations & Modeling Hemoglobin Lab: NGSS - Distance Learning

In Brief: First, students read about protein synthesis, gene mutations, and chromosomal mutations. Then, students practice transcribing and translating mutated genes, identifying the type of mutation that occurred. Then, students read about protein structure, and put it all together using normal/sickle hemoglobin as an example. By comparing the change in amino acid sequence, students determine the cause of sickle hemoglobin, and construct origami models of the normal/sickle hemoglobin. Finally, students sum up what they’ve learned in a conclusion section.

A. NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS HEREIN

DCI’s: LS1.A: Structure and Function

LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits

LS4.C: Adaptation

Cross Cutting Concepts: Cause and Effect, Systems and Systems, Structure and Function, Stability and Change

Scientific and Engineering Practices:

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Developing and Using Models

Engaging in Arguments from Evidence

B. SUGGESTED USES

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Prior Knowledge: No specific prior knowledge is required for this lab. Some very basic concepts in genetics are touched upon, but all the info that is needed to complete the activity is provided.

Implementing the Lesson:

Materials (per student):

1. One Packet

2. One sheet of Origami Templates for normal hemoglobin (provided)

3. One sheet of Origami Templates for sickle hemoglobin (provided)

4. Internet access to watch video instructions for folding the templates

5. Scissors (not provided)

6. Tape (not provided)

I usually print the hemoglobin templates on colored paper (normal hemoglobin on one color, and sickle hemoglobin on another. Also, I encourage students to connect several student’s sickle hemoglobin models together to form a larger “fiber”, which is what occurs inside the sickle red blood cell, leading to its half-moon shape.

This product comes as a word doc, and a PDF, so that you may edit it, if you choose.

This activity is designed to be student centered. With monitoring and guidance from a teacher, students can work through this activity, as-is.

My students have fun with this. If yours liked it, there are more like this at my TpT store:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Next-Gen-Sci-Guy

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