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DNA, genetic information and mutations
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SMALL IDEA
Evolution > Natural Selection and Darwinian Theory > DNA, genetic information and mutations
DNA can replicate itself, transcribe into RNA and translate into proteins. Genetic information is stored in genes and expressed through proteins. Mutations, occurring either accidentally during DNA replication, or due to substances or radiations, are changes in genetic information that most often lead to illness or death. However, they are also very important for the process of species evolution.
Connection to Big Idea about forces: High energy electromagnetic radiation can cause damages to the DNA of living organisms and cause harmful mutations.
Connection to Big Idea about the cell: The genetic features are found in the DNA of the cells. Gene changes (mutations) can cause changes to proteins, which in turn can affect the structures and functions of the cells of organism and thereby change traits.
Connection to Big Idea about Earth: The environment and factors like food and exposure to toxins can alter the way molecules bind to DNA causing epigenetic changes (gene expression) or changing the structure of proteins that DNA wraps around.
Subjects related: Biology
Age ranges: 12-13,14-15,15-16,16-17,17-18
About
PLATON is a two-year European project launched on September 2016. It aspires to provide teachers and school communities with a coherent teachers’ training framework which will update their current teaching practices. More particularly, PLATON aims to offer an open and innovative training framework to teachers of primary and secondary education which will focus on:
- Promoting student-centred teaching approaches;
- Promoting a holistic interdisciplinary approach;
- Support the use of online educational tools;
- Support the meaningful collaboration between teachers of the same school.
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Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European (2016-1-PT01-KA201- 022881) 