... of a deadly neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin (TTX) as an antipredator defense. Some species of newts contain TTX in their tissues, but resistance to TTX has developed through convergent evolution in garter snakes and other species. TTX resistance results from mutated voltage-gated sodium channels...

... replication, transcription, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and random mutations so that students can examine these processes in detail. The set is inexpensive and easy to make, has been used successfully, and allows for modification to fit individual teachers' needs. The set is made from inexpensive...

... on prey–predator coevolution in escape/pursuit speed. It illustrates how selection pressure on individual speed increases average population speed through differential survival, while also reducing variation in speed among individuals. A simulated beneficial mutation helps differentiate the generation...

...Dana Brown Haine “Investigating the Exposome: Vinyl Chloride Exposure, DNA Damage & Repair” is a data interpretation and graphing activity that provides students a relevant context in which to explore and refine what they know about DNA structure and function, mutation, DNA repair, and cancer...

... structure and function genetics mutation Translations should enlighten, yet here instruction falls short for arguably the most fundamental, life-defining process: genetically prescribed protein synthesis. Traditional transcription-translation exercises are commonly used to teach biology's “Central...

... alleviate this problem. In this guided investigation of evolutionary mechanisms, students use LEGO bricks to simulate how mutation, migration, genetic drift, and natural selection can affect the evolution of a population. This exercise was undertaken and assessed with college introductory biology students...

...George P. Smith; Miriam Golomb; Sidney K. Billstein; Stephen Montgomery Smith Microbial cultures swiftly adapt to lethal agents such as antibiotics or viruses by acquiring resistance mutations. Does this remarkable adaptability require a Lamarckian explanation, whereby the agent specifically...

... tgcaaaatga aaatgtgggg cctctgttaa aaaactatta atc ggccggg cgcggtggct Molecular evolution mutation natural selection conserved DNA sequences The exercises provided here are designed to help students visualize how molecular evolution occurs by acquainting students with the basic principles...

... will associate molecular changes with the evolution of form and function in organisms. Included are examples that illustrate how mutation followed by selection causes populations to evolve. Next month we will share lab activities that illustrate the concepts and reinforce the complementary roles of mutation...

... that students learn not only the “what” of science but also the “how” and “why.” In line with this approach, we present an exercise that models the integration of fundamental evolutionary concepts with science practices. Students use Avida-ED digital evolution software to test claims from a study on mutated...

... hundred per lecture section. We present a pedagogically sound exercise that utilizes a series of simple and inexpensive simulations to convey the concept of evolution through mutation and natural selection. Questions after each simulation expand student comprehension; a class discussion encourages...

... Teachers. All rights reserved. Request permission to photocopy or reproduce article content at the University of California Press’s Rights and Permissions Web site at http://www.ucpressjournals.com/reprintinfo.asp . 2013 Sorting process natural selection evolution origin of variation mutation...

...Jeanne Ting Chowning; Dina Kovarik; Joan Griswold A substitution mutation at a crucial point in a functional domain, such as where the amino acids link together to make a loop, may destroy the shape of the protein altogether, thus destroying its function. A deletion or insertion mutation...

... Teachers. 2011 Bacteria DNA mutation science experiment sunlight ultraviolet radiation Sunlight is essential for vital biological processes, such as photosynthesis and vitamin D synthesis. However, solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be detrimental to living beings: it is associated...

...Susan Offner The Y chromosome is of great interest to students and can be used to teach about many important biological concepts in addition to sex determination. This paper discusses mutation, recombination, mammalian sex determination, sex determination in general, and the evolution of sex...