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Module - 2F. Effects of radiation on model organisms' DNA

National Standard
  • Interactions of energy and matter
  • Matter, energy, and organization in living systems
  • Molecular basis of heredity


Instructional Objectives
  • Analyze the effects of radiation on the DNA of model specimen.
  • Describe molecular changes as a result of radiation damage.
Performance-Content Matrix
Concept-apply

Initial Presentation Strategy
Demonstrate sample procedure. (PCR or gel electrophoresis)

Potential species: yeast, Arabidopsis, drosophila, bacteria.

Generative Learning Strategy
Students design (or conduct) own experiment (DNA from a strawberry exposed to UV). Low-tech option: model effects of ultraviolet radiation (test sunscreen or sunglasses on yeast populations). High-tech option: PCR, gel electrophoresis.

Assessment
Present results in lab report/poster presentation format.


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