In this activity (app. 25 min), a case-study style problem is presented to students (?The Roundup Story") that describes the use of roundup (herbicide) in agriculture, and the development of ?roundup ready? crop strains. The case study approach incorporates a great number of questions, which are designed to guide the students to a clear understanding of how genetically modified organisms (GMOs...

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In this activity, students are exposed to some of the most significant biomolecules currently exploited by technology and identify their natural origins. They also explain the significance of the roles these biomolecules play in nature, as well as for humans. Specifically, students work to develop a logical process for a real-life application of biotechnology (insulin production) using knowledge...

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This activity utilizes the emergence of antibiotic resistance, and mechanisms thereof, to teach essential concepts including natural selection, bacterial gene transfer, mutation, and gene expression. It also provides a connection between course content and modern applications of important concepts. The activity (app. 25 minutes) is intended for introductory students in biology. It is flexible and...

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Modified from a worksheet originally created by Dr. Biao Ding, this worksheet can be passed out to students to use as a review of chemistry, macromolecules, and components of the cell. The key to the worksheet and all references for the figures are included in the file.

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In this activity, a visual model of the reactions of photosynthesis (and to a lesser extent, respiration) is provided to students. Students evaluate the model in groups, and subsequently use it to answer questions about the model as presented, as well as the results of perturbations to the pathways indicated in the model. These ?perturbation? questions require students to step back and ana...

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