3.9 Mutations: Nature’s Editing

A. Mutations

To give people super abilities we have to change our genetic code. We have to make changes in our DNA. Now we’re going to explore different ways our DNA can changed and be changed and you’ll start to decide whether or not you think those changes are okay and why.

B. Nature’s Editing: Mutations

Remember the mutants at the beginning of this project? They were fictional superheros and they all had special powers. Those powers were caused by something called mutations. Mutations happens if there is a mistake when our DNA is copied.

 

 

As part of your final project, you’ll have to make a case for why you think we should or should not allow for genetic engineering to create super powers. To make that argument, you’ll have to explain what happens naturally and what people could do to change nature. To help understand what happens naturally, you are going to create a two page guide to mutations.

 

Directions: Below are two videos and a short reading. Use these three resources to write a the first page of your guide explaining for how mutations happen. Be sure to include:

  • What is a mutation?
  • When and why do mutations happen?
  • What happens when a mutation happens?
  • Do all mutations have an impact?

C. Mutation Decoding - Spider Man

Have you ever seen any of the spider man movies? If you have, you know that spider man got his powers from mutations caused by a spider

Now we’re going to look at the genetic code for spider venom to see how different mutations might change the powers or property of that venom.

Directions: Complete the gene mutation Activity in your mission log.

When you are done, check your answers below.

Check your answers

 

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