Gene structure and expression in eukaryotes

Gene structure and expression in eukaryotes

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Gene structure and expression in eukaryotes

Level:

This exercise is designed to help Biology majors review the parts of a gene and mRNA. The intended audience is a Biology major who has already learned about transcription, RNA processing, and translation. The exercise may also be used as a quick review for more advanced undergraduates/graduate students.

Keywords:

Gene structure, RNA Processing, Gene expression, Eukaryotic genes

Learning objectives:

After completing this assignment, students will be able to:

  • Identify the parts of a gene and an mRNA molecule and explain their purpose
  • Compare and contrast where and when transcription, RNA processing, and translation take place
  • Outline the steps of gene expression in eukaryotes
  • Identify operons vs non-operons

Planning

  • The instructor needs to print the worksheets 
  • This exercise should take ~15 minutes of class time
  • Students may need additional resources (class notes, textbook, etc) if their understanding of these topics is incomplete.

Materials Needed:

  • 1 worksheet per student or group

Activity

Download: Eukaryotic_gene_structure_and_expression.docx


Download: Eukaryotic_gene_structure_and_expression_KEY.docx


Begin by introducing today’s activity and distributing the materials. 

Encourage students to work together.


Wrap-up

Formative assessment:

Clicker questions can be used to assess understanding of worksheet. 

Conclusion and moving forward

This activity is designed to help synthesize their understanding of gene expression. 

                      

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