Mutations Teacher Resources

High school learners read and discuss an article about genetic ancestry and genetic ancestry testing. They complete a paper and pencil activity that mimics the function of a DNA microarray and consider the ethics of genetic testing in...

Did you know that your DNA can be damaged tens of thousands of times per day? Learn about the ways that damage to just one strand of your DNA can be fixed, or in extreme examples, result in genetic mutation such as cancer. 

The majority of cancers, 90-95%, are caused by environmental factors; the remaining 5-10% are due to inherited genes. Scholars explore mutations and their outcomes and see how mutations can occur spontaneously or be induced. The video...

With paper DNA patterns, budding biologists model translation and base-pair substitution within sequences. Through these activities, they examine how mutations can result in genetic disorders. The modeling that occurs is an enlightening...

Explaining exactly how DNA works to provide genetic information is a complex topic, but it is presented in a clear and engaging way through a five-minute video. Have learners try to explain how DNA works before watching the video, then...

Introduce biology classes to the structure of DNA, the role of genes, and how mutations occur with this nifty resource. After viewing an animated video, discuss the accompanying Think questions and then explore the myriad of additional...

Are you a mutant? Learn about multiple types of mutations with a presentation to discover the answer. Both genes and chromosomes mutate at various points in their life cycles. Slides describe each type and the resulting impact on...

Mutations have a bad reputation ... but are they always harmful? Junior geneticists explore mutations and their effects in a Fuse School Evolution video. The content features sickle cell disease, its effects on the body, and its ability...

While our bodies have incredible capabilities to repair damage, some mutations accumulate and lead to disease. Follow the life of a DNA mutation using a computer-generated animation. The narrator explains the impact of radiation,...

In humans, the rate of mutation from one generation to the next is between 100 and 200 mutations. Discover the role of DNA mutation in evolution with an enriching lab activity.

Here is a cut and paste activity activity designed for older students. They fill in the blank with information about the composition of DNA, then create a DNA strand with its complimentary nucleotide chain.

After studying DNA replication and the genetics of inheritance, this slide show is useful for explaining specific mutations that can happen and result in an illness. Sickle cell anemia, and cystic fibrosis are explained on a genetic...

Are some mutations more damaging than others? An engaging simulation encourages scholars to alter DNA through insertion, deletion, and substitution. It then forms resulting amino acids—or not—and the resulting protein—or not—depending on...

A human genome accumulates approximately 64 mutations per generation. The video explains the four types of mutations in DNA and their importance—or lack of importance. It incorporates knowledge about protein synthesis and combines it...

It takes about 800 hours to replicate an average-sized human chromosome of single linear DNA. The video introduces the concept of DNA replication. It briefly explains the concepts of leading strands and lagging strands.

Are the only mutants you know Ninja Turtles or X-Men? The video explains both gene mutation and chromosome mutation. It includes the subtypes of mutations for each major type, the times when mutations are more likely to happen, and...

Every child born has roughly 70 point mutations. The video explains what point mutations are and how they are passed from generation to generation. The narrator includes several examples of beneficial point mutations leading to entirely...

Transcription means a written copy but how can DNA write a message? The video explains transcription and translation as they relate to DNA and RNA. Then in the interactive, scholars practice base pairing and answer analysis...

Can you identify mutations just by viewing DNA sequences? Scholars apply prior knowledge of DNA sequences to do just that in an engaging activity. They transcribe and translate genes, thus identifying the locations of mutations. Then,...

Chromosomes come in pairs and in pears. The video covers DNA structure and function including the parts of the nucleotide and the four bases. It provides examples of cloning, gene regulation, and mutation. 

Students investigate how mutations lead to changes in cell structure and function. They construct an oligonucleotide, identify a protein sequence, design a step-by-step mechanism of how they think cells repair damaged DNA, and prepare...

Students create a model of DNA and simulate replication with their models in an activity that uses licorice, colored marshmallows, and toothpicks. Students also label a diagram of replication and indicate major parts of the DNA molecule.

The basics of mutation types and some potential effects of those are described and diagrammed here. Each detail is very clear and includes the labels and translation change exhibited. A great slideshow to expand on DNA replication issues.