St. John Fisher College: Noveera Ahmed

Ed Freeman

Worcester Polytechnic Institute:Joe Duffy

Ally HunterLuis Vidali

Facilitators:Jennifer Nauen, University of Delaware Jessamina Blum, Yale University

Why are my cells different?

Freshman Level Course: Introductory BiologyCoverage to this point includes:

scientific method, cell theory, structure/function/replication of DNA, transcription and translation

Classroom Setting

Our UNIT – Eukaryotic Gene Expression

(The Next Theme: Gene Regulation)

Learning Goals Learning Outcomes

1. Students will have conceptual understanding of the central dogma.

2. Students will have conceptual understanding of What a gene is?

3. Students will understand the role of the central dogma in cellular differentiation

3. Students will be able to: a. create a concept map to review the flow of genetic information in a cell. b. identify and explain the various levels at which gene expression may occur. c. interpret and construct graphical representations of data. d. apply this understanding to a novel situation e. appreciate the biological significance of diversity.

4. Students will appreciate our limits in understanding gene expression (past and future).

Lesson objectives:

• be able to create a concept map to review the flow of genetic information in a cell.

• be able to identify and explain the various levels at which gene expression may occur.

• be able to interpret and construct graphical representations of data.

• be able to apply this understanding to a new situation

• be able to appreciate diversity within and between organisms.

Eukaryotic Gene Expression

Why are my cells different?

What are the differences?

DNARNAProteinTranscriptionTranslation

Let's review Central Dogma – build a concept map.

DNA

2. Use markers to draw the location of the nucleus and cytoplasm with respect to your labeled sticky notes

1. In your small groups, write the following terms on the provided post-it notes

DNA

Protein

RNA

Transcription

CentralDogma

Nucleus

Cytoplasm

TranslationTranslation

?

What happens if

Transcription is off?

DNA

Protein

RNA

Transcription

CentralDogma

Nucleus

Cytoplasm

TranslationTranslation

?

What happens if

Translation is off?

Cardiac Muscle

cell

EpidermalSkin cell

Myosinprotein levels

 • What do the data in the graph below demonstrate? Consult with your

neighbor and write a one sentence description.

Myosin is a family of proteins that play a role in a variety of cell processes including muscle contraction.

 Let's consider this in the context of differences in cell types

DNA

Protein

RNA

Transcription

Nucleus

Cytoplasm

Clicker question:

Myosin levels are different.How can this be explained?

A.Regulation of Transcription.

B. Regulation of Translation.

TranslationTranslation

Using your Clickers answer the following question:

Where is the greater similarity in DNA?                A. between different cell types in the same individual.

                B. between same cell types in different individuals.

 What about differences between cells?

Keratin is a key structural protein making up the outer layer of skin.

Keratinprotein levels

Cardiac cell

EpidermalSkin cell

Neuron

Duff’s cells

White bloodcell

On the graphs you were given:

Plot your understanding of gene expression plot with a neighbor the expected protein levels of Keratin.

 Let's revisit diversity...

Keratin levels

Cardiac cell

Skin cell –keratinocyt

e

Neuron

Duff’s cells

White bloodcell

We predict:Different levels of Keratin are expressed in different cell types!

Keratin Protein levelsin epidermal

cell

Noveera Ed Ally Luis Duff

Given your understanding of gene expression plot with a neighbor the expected protein levels of Keratin.

Keratin levels

Skin cell - keratinocyte

Noveera ED Ally Luis Duff

Different people have similar levels of Keratin expression in Skin cells (keratinocytes)!

Through changes in gene expression diversity in cell types can arise!