Lesson Plan: Mutations Biology
This lesson plan includes the objectives, prerequisites, and exclusions of the lesson teaching students how to describe mutations and explain the impacts mutations can have on organisms.
Objectives
Students will be able to
- define mutation as a change in the DNA sequence,
- recall that variation arises from mutations,
- recognize different types of mutations,
- understand the difference between mutations that occur in body (somatic) cells and those that occur in reproductive cells (germline and gametes),
- describe how mutations can result in altered protein structures or gene expression,
- use the occurrence of sickle cell anemia in humans as an example of a genetic disease caused by a mutation,
- recall some causes of induced mutations, such as exposure to UV radiation and carcinogenic substances.
Prerequisites
Students should already be familiar with
- DNA as the genetic material of humans,
- the fact that a gene is a section of DNA that codes for a protein.
Exclusions
Students will not cover
- benign/malignant tumors,
- the details of the effect of ionizing radiation.
