Recombinant DNA and genetic techniques resources
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Recombinant DNA
Problem set on recombinant DNA technology
A set of MCQs on recombinant DNA technology, including brief explanations and linked tutorials, from the Biology Project at the University of Arizona.
Resource: The Biology Project
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Games and quizzes, interactive tutorial
Recombinant DNA technology (animation)
A 3-D animation on YouTube illustrating the process of gene cloning.
Resource: You Tube: Recombinant DNA
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Animation
Animated tutorials in General biology
Animated tutorials in general biology, including DNA Chip Technology, Meiosis and Mitosis and construction of a DNA library, from Sumanas Inc. Can be viewed a step-through animations or as narrated, continuous animations.
Resource: Sumanas Inc. General Biology
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Animation
Animations and Quizzes for Gene technology
A set of ten animations from Biology by Raven et al. that outline the stages of genetic engineering.
Resource: Online Learning Centre: Gene Technology
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Animation
Cloning, gene therapy
A set of tutorials from The Gene School which include quizzes and experiments that cover topics such as cloning, gene therapy, DNA in the courtroom and inherited diseases.
Resource: The Gene School: Applications index
Age Range: 11-14/14-16/16-18
Approach: Interactive tutorial, games and quizzes, laboratory practicals
GCSE Bitesize biology
Tutorials and quizzes about reproduction and cloning. Each different exam board has its own range of tutorials. The one linked below is AQ.
Resource: BBC Bitesize
Age Range: 14-16
Approach: Interactive tutorials, games and quizzes
Just Try Cloning
A list of cloning resources ranging from posters to animations and tutorials.
Resource: ABPI Resources for Schools: Cloning
Age Range: 14-16
Approach: Images, animation, games and quizzes, interactive tutorials
Genetic techniques
Using a Micropipette (video)
An award-winning GENIE video introduction to the use of micropipettes in the laboratory for undergraduates and postgraduates. Total running time: 9 minutes.
Resource: GENIE Using a Micropipette
Part 5: Common Things to Avoid
Age Range: 11-14/14-16/16-18
Approach: Video
Making and Running an Agarose Gel (video)
A GENIE video guide for postgraduate students illustrating the processes involved in making and running agarose gels in the laboratory. Total running time: 13 minutes.
Resource: GENIE Running an Agarose Gel
Part 4: Putting the Gel into the Gel Tank
Part 7: Visualising the Nucleic Acids
Part 8: Common Things to Avoid
Age Range: 11-14/14-16/16-18
Approach: Video
Running an Agarose Gel (video)
A video guide for undergraduate students illustrating the processes involved in making and running agarose gels in the laboratory. This is a shorter version of the GENIE video 'Making and Running an Agarose Gel'. Total running time: 6 minutes.
Resource: GENIE Running an Agarose Gel
Part 4: Visualising the Nucleic Acids
Part 5: Common Things to Avoid
Age Range: 11-14/14-16/16-18
Approach: Video
Alec Jeffreys 'Eureka Moments'
As part of the biochemical society's centenary celebrations, a number of the Society’s Honorary Members were asked to talk about the important moments in their careers and the future of the discipline. The third to be released is that of Alec Jeffreys who spoke to John Armour about the 'Golden Age of Genetics'.
Resource: Golden Age of Genetics
Age range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Video
Dolly Mixtures
This is a basic cloning practical where students make their own clone of Dolly the sheep using simulated sterile techniques.
Resource: Dolly Mixtures
Age range: 14-16 / 16-18
Approach: Laboratory practical, interactive tutorial
Animated tutorials in molecular biology
Animated tutorials in molecular biology, including plasmid cloning, PCR and other genetic techniques, from Sumanas Inc. Can be viewed a step-through animations or as narrated, continuous animations.
Resource: Sumanas Inc: molecular biology
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Animation
Animated tutorial on gel electrophoresis
Animated tutorials on gel electrophoresis from Sumanas, Inc. Can be viewed as a step-through animation or as a narrated, continuous animation.
Resource: Sumanas Inc: gel electrophoresis
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Animation
Just Try Genetic Engineering
A list of genetic technique resources ranging from posters to animations and tutorials
Resource: ABPI Resources for Schools. Org
Age Range: 14-16
Approach: Images, animations, games and quizzes, interactive tutorials
Learn.Genetics™
The Genetics Science Center from the University of Utah has produced and excellent resource which covers subjects in genetic technology, the basics of DNA, as well as more complex subjects, such as epigenetics. There is also a "Teacher Resources and Lesson Plans" section.
Resource: University of Utah: Learn.Genetics
Age Range: 14-16/16-18
Approach: Images, animations, games and quizzes, interactive tutorials
DNA Structure and Its Role in Forensic Science
A set of resources explaining how DNA is used in forensic science.
Resource: DNA Structure and Its Role in Forensic Science
Age Range: 16-18
Approach: Topic material
Genetic Engineering Glossary List
Part of the Times Education Supplement (TES) Secondary Biology Collection. Table of key terminology related to genetic engineering for students to compile their own glossary. Designed to be put onto school network for students to print & use. To access this resource you are required to register with the TES; registration is free.
Resource: Genetic Engineering Glossary List
Age Range: 16-18
Approach: Interactive tutorial
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