This lesson is designed to facilitate student understanding of the molecular structure of DNA, the cellular processes involved in DNA replication, and how these principles were applied to develop a method to determine the nucleotide sequence of DNA. The lesson employs an active and cooperative learning approach accomplished via a modified jigsaw exercise. The specific replication/sequencing process in this lesson is Sanger's dideoxy method of DNA sequencing. In conjunction with related lessons in lecture and lab, students read the relevant section of an appropriate introductory biology textbook and/or view videos explaining how Sanger's dideoxy chain-termination sequencing method works. Students working in four teams (A, C, G, and T) then use green, blue, brown, and red M&M's as nucleotides to build a model of the process. Plain M&M's represent deoxynucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs), while peanut M&M's represent the “terminator” dideoxynucleotide triphosphates (ddNTPs). The lesson addresses Next Generation Science Standards and learning goals typically found in college biology courses at introductory and advanced levels.
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August 2016
Research Article|
August 01 2016
Using M&M's to Model Sanger's Dideoxy DNA Sequencing Method
Joseph E. Conley,
Joseph E. Conley
JOSEPH E. CONLEY ([email protected]) and ALEX J. MEISEL ([email protected]) are Undergraduate Learning Assistants and JAMES J. SMITH ([email protected]) is a Professor of Biology in the Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University, 919 E. Shaw Ln., Room E35, E. Lansing, MI 48825-3804.
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Alex J. Meisel,
Alex J. Meisel
JOSEPH E. CONLEY ([email protected]) and ALEX J. MEISEL ([email protected]) are Undergraduate Learning Assistants and JAMES J. SMITH ([email protected]) is a Professor of Biology in the Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University, 919 E. Shaw Ln., Room E35, E. Lansing, MI 48825-3804.
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James J. Smith
James J. Smith
JOSEPH E. CONLEY ([email protected]) and ALEX J. MEISEL ([email protected]) are Undergraduate Learning Assistants and JAMES J. SMITH ([email protected]) is a Professor of Biology in the Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University, 919 E. Shaw Ln., Room E35, E. Lansing, MI 48825-3804.
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The American Biology Teacher (2016) 78 (6): 516–522.
Citation
Joseph E. Conley, Alex J. Meisel, James J. Smith; Using M&M's to Model Sanger's Dideoxy DNA Sequencing Method. The American Biology Teacher 1 August 2016; 78 (6): 516–522. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2016.78.6.516
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