Curricular Materials

The Bio-ITEST genetic research curriculum unit explores how bioinformatics is used to perform genetic research. Specifically, the bioinformatics tools of BLAST, ORFinder, ClustalW and Cn3D are used to analyze genetic sequences. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene is introduced as the “DNA barcoding” gene that allows for identification of species. Students examine DNA sequences from different animal species, investigate the relationship between protein structure and function, and explore evolutionary relationships among eukaryotic organisms. The unit concludes with an authentic student research project, sequencing the COI genes from samples they collect themselves in the community. Throughout the unit, students are presented with a number of career options in which the tools of bioinformatics are developed or used. The career lesson near the end of the unit culminates with resume and cover letter writing activities and a mock job interview.

Through this curriculum, students:

- Learn how to compare and align DNA and protein sequences
- Use sequence information to identify from which species the sequence came
- Perform multiple sequence alignments to compare relatedness among species
- Understand the complementary nature of DNA and the six potential reading frames of DNA
- Work with molecular structures to understand how a poison binds to the active site of a protein
- Communicate their findings by writing a research report
- Explore ethical issues related to funding genetic research
- Learn about bioinformatics careers
- Work through activities to assess understanding