Effects of Mutations
Effects of Mutations
Objectives
In this lesson, students read about how mutations can affect phenotypes and genotypes in a population. Students will:
- explain how genetic mutations may result in genotypic and phenotypic variations within a population.
- analyze the results of scientific studies to determine whether genetic mutations can be beneficial.
Essential Questions
Vocabulary
- Mutation: A change in genetic material that results from an error in replication of DNA. Mutations can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral.
- Germ Line Mutation: Mutation that occurs in reproductive cells and ends up being carried by gametes (e.g., eggs and sperm).
- Phenotype: The physical characteristics of an organism.
- Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism.
Duration
45 minutes/1 class period
Prerequisite Skills
Materials
- computers with Internet access, or make copies of the following two articles (half the students will read one, and half the students will read the other):
o Got Lactase?
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/news/070401_lactose
o Black Cat Gene
http://sabbah.biz/mt/archives/2003/10/28/black-cat-gene/
- Got Lactase? Questions–Student Version (S-B-9-3_Got Lactase Questions-Student Version.doc)
- Black Cat Gene Questions–Student Version (S-B-9-3_Black Cat Gene Questions-Student Version.doc)
- Got Lactase? Questions–Teacher Version (S-B-9-3_Got Lactase Questions-Teacher Version.doc)
- Black Cat Gene Questions–Teacher Version (S-B-9-3_Black Cat Gene Questions-Teacher Version.doc)
- Effects of Mutations–Teacher Version (S-B-9-3_ Effects of Mutations-Teacher Version.doc)
Related Unit and Lesson Plans
Related Materials & Resources
The possible inclusion of commercial websites below is not an implied endorsement of their products, which are not free, and are not required for this lesson plan.
- DNA and Mutations
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/mutations_01
- Got Lactase?
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/news/070401_lactose
- Black Cat Gene
http://sabbah.biz/mt/archives/2003/10/28/black-cat-gene/
- Understanding Evolution: Mutations
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/0_0_0/evo_18
- Genotype versus Phenotype
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/genovspheno_01
- The Homeobox (information about Hox genes)