This activity utilizes the emergence of antibiotic resistance, and mechanisms thereof, to teach essential concepts including natural selection, bacterial gene transfer, mutation, and gene expression. It also provides a connection between course content and modern applications of important concepts. The activity (app. 25 minutes) is intended for introductory students in biology. It is flexible and...

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In this activity, students are exposed to some of the most significant biomolecules currently exploited by technology and identify their natural origins. They also explain the significance of the roles these biomolecules play in nature, as well as for humans. Specifically, students work to develop a logical process for a real-life application of biotechnology (insulin production) using knowledge...

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On this worksheet, students employ recall to answer questions that highlight the similarities and the differences between the processes of cellular respiration and photosynthesis. The answer key is included. Images used come from the following sources: http://alevelnotes.com/content_images/chloroplast.gif Reece, J.B., Urry, L.A., Cain, M.L., Wasserman, S.A.,Minorsky, P.V., and Jackson, R.B....

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In this PNAS podcast, the concept of the relatively new "gene drive" biotechnology application is discussed, particularly as it applies to the potential to impact control of malarial vectors in wild populations. The mechanistic nature of the procedure is discussed, as are social considerations for future use of this technique.

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This website by NIH gives basic information about genetics in an easy-to-understand format. It provides a good summary on topics such as cells and DNA, genes and mutations, gene therapy, Human Genome Project, genomics research etc.

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