Viral genomes are the fastest evolving entities in biology, mainly because of their short replication time and the large quantity of offspring released per cell infected. Evolution occurs by several mechanisms: Random mutation,...

Learn more about the operon model based on studies of lactose-dependent mutations of E. coli with the series of problems presented here. The correct answers have a brief explanation to reinforce the theories and incorrect answers are...

In this instructional activity, students learn how DNA fits into chromosomes, how chromosomes relate to the human body, DNA replication, and protein synthesis.

A multiple-choice quiz on the mechanisms of evolution.

This lesson plan involves comparison of amino acids to create a phylogenetic tree of primates. Students will also use other species information to draw conclusions about evolutionary relationships.

These pages are part of a site called Evolution that accompany a textbook by the same name. Mark Ridley is the author. This section has an advanced discussion of determining allele and genotype frequencies using the Hardy-Weinberg ratio.

This lesson plan focuses on differences in the amino acid sequence of hemoglobin and myoglobin proteins. They use the number of differences to create a phylogenetic tree.

This lesson plan requires young scholars to analyze DNA restriction maps to determine the differences in the sequence for several primates and humans. They then use the information to create a cladogram.

Investigate how the genetic code on a DNA strands controls what protein is produced with this collection of animations and 3D models. Explore an interactive 3D model of the double helix, watch an animation of transcription, and see the...

This "Ask the Experts" article answers the question, "What do we know about the cause of Werner syndrome and progeria, the disease that leads to premature aging in children?" This article also distinguishes between Hutchinson-Gilford...

Find out about the chromosomal basis of sex determination, X and Y chromosomes, and X-linkage.

Within every cell in our body, two copies of a tumor suppressor gene called BRCA1 are tasked with regulating the speed at which cells divide. This learning module explains how these genes can sometimes mutate, making those cells less...

In this graphic and article from "The Human Evolution Coloring Book" by Adrienne Zihlman, four different proteins from humans and horses are compared and the reasons each protein evolves at its own characteristic rate are discussed.

Build a gene network! The lac operon is a set of genes which are responsible for the metabolism of lactose in some bacterial cells. Explore the effects of mutations within the lac operon by adding or removing genes from the DNA.

Cell division is the only way single-celled organisms can reproduce. Learn more about cell division and explore the phases, checkpoints, and protein regulators of the cell cycle in this interactive. Find out how mutated versions of these...

Hear the tale of one man's struggle with being a dwarf and how he has worked to overcome. Get a new perspective of little people and learn to gain acceptance.

This lesson will explain how cancer is caused by a gene mutation. It is 4 of 4 in the series titled "Cancer."

This site from WebMD Health provides great information on the Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome. It discusses synonyms, disorder subdivisions, and general discussion with resources. Links are provided throughout for additional...

A library of information on chromosomes and their role in heredity. Articles found on the website study chromosome structure, chromosome composition, chromosome abnormalities, roles that chromosome plays in sex determination, and changes...

A look at protein synthesis in words and pictures. This website discusses the processes of replication, transcription, and translation. Also covered is Beadle and Tatum research that explains that one gene codes for one polypeptide....

Amber Yates dives into the science of the malignant sickle-cell mutation.

In this online mini-course learners distinguish between the structure, functions, and processes involved with DNA and RNA.

Learn about virus evolution and genetic variation in viruses.

Mendel's second law and how he arrived at it through his experiments. Includes vocabulary and examples.