28 September 1999: Pam Moy (Morgan Park HS)
passed out materials to us, and described fluid mosaic model of the membrane and the structure of a cell. With some guidance from Pam, we then used the materials to create 2-D models of cells on paper, helping us to understand better and remember this cell model. Very nice!

09 November 1999: John Scavo (Richards Voc HS)
shared DNA Matching with us, an example of a chemistry van program from CSU - 30 experiments available). This was a forensic experience in which we tried to match "evidence cards" containing DNA patterns with a set of 9 suspect DNAs (handout). Interesting, John!

01 February 2000: Chuck Buzek (Spry School)
gave us hands-on insight into evolution. He gave 5 jars out, one for each of 5 groups, each jar with 40 white beans and 40 red beans. (The beans represented genes, with red as dominant.) He had us remove two beans at a time from our jar (without looking!), and record the number of times that we got RR, RW, or WW. We got 9-22-10. Chuck then had us take the 10 WW's and put them into an "eliminate" cup - representing elimination of non-dominant gene combinations. Next, we combined the remaining 9-22 (RR-RW) and repeated the process. Enlightening! We could "see" evolution happening!

23 January 2001: Pam Moy (Morgan Park HS)
constructed models of DNA [Deoxyribonucleic Acid] with brightly colored (psychedelic) pipe cleaners.  Long white pipe cleaners were used for the backbone components, which are composed of sugars and phosphates.  These pipe cleaners were formed into an X, twisted in the middle, and then the legs were twisted together to form a loop, or a Figure 8.  The four different colors of short pipe cleaners were each used to represent the four different  nitrogen bases:

           G  C  A  A  T  C  T  A  A
           |--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|
           C  G  T  T  A  G  A  T  T

23 January 2001: Ben Stark (Professor of Biology, IIT) explained how cells replicate their DNA and check that the coding [ordering and pairing] is correct.  He also explained that many problems with defective DNA are linked to genetic diseases, and that many of the defects in DNA are caused by exposure to ultra-violet [UV] light. The most common mutation is a "transition mutation", in which an A is replaced with a G, a G with an A, a T with a C, or a C with a T.

13 March 2001: Karlene Joseph (Lane Tech HS) Handout: Genetic Recombination
directed activities that review meiosis and genetics by employing small stackable block cubes [similar to LEGO^TM blocks]. We used 6 cubes for each of 6 different colors, and connected 3 cubes of the same color to represent chromosomes. Then we constructed an original parent cell by placing one chromosome of each color in a matrix of 3 pairs of "homologous" chromosomes, and assigned letters [alleles] to each color; [eg a, b, c, A, B, C]. Capital letters represent the dominant genes, and lower case letters represent recessive genes. We then simulated the following rearrangements.

• Replication: Produce an system identical to the original---12 states altogether---2 now of each color.
• Crossing Over: Trade one cube with another on a homologous pair to effect crossing over of one gene for 2 of 3 homologous pairs by detaching and re-attaching blocks of different colors within one homologous pair.
• Independent Assortment: Line up your chromosome set as they would appear in metaphase I in meiosis. Separate the homologous chromosomes by independent assortment for the first meiotic division.
• Gametes: Show the unique combination of genes each gamete will receive as they would in anaphase II of meiosis---second meiotic division.
• Offspring: Two gametes fuse in fertilization to restore a diploid state and create a zygote, or new organism.

Here is a list of human traits for which there are contrasting forms.  Within each trait one form (eg oval versus round head shape) was arbitrarily chosen as dominant and the other recessive.  The results of each person's "virtual offspring" (above) could then be converted into a "phenotype" by making interesting and usually humorous sketches of the faces.

11 September 2001: Ben Stark (IIT)                  DNA
Ben showed a copy of the human genome. He then explained how they cut up the base sequence of the chromosomes into pieces small enough to sequence. Bases that comprise the DNA sequence are  A, C, T, and G molecules, each gene corresponding to a different sequence. A computer was used to piece together the sequences to produce the overall DNA sequence of the genome.

A primary feature of the genome is that there are places at which there are many genes, and some regions at which there are very few. There are thought to be about 35,000 genes in the human genome.

Some bacteria have up to 7000 genes, so it was expected that humans would have more than 35,000 genes.

The federally funded sequencing effort first ordered DNA pieces and then sequenced them.  The privately funded effort done by Celera Genomics Corporation http://www.celera.com/ sequenced randomly generated pieces, using a computer to order them by finding overlapping components.

The genome will be refined by comparing the federally funded and privately funded maps, and rectifying any differences. Then the problem of filling in missing genes (if any), will be addressed.

He then talked about butterflies, and the cells that make up all living things. All cells in any organism have exactly the same chromosomes with exactly the same genes.  The genes in all the cells are not active at the same time, so this is why certain butterflies develop wings with, say, black and orange colored patterns. This is analogous to a series of hotel rooms that all have the same number of lights, each with a different combination of bulbs turned "on" and "off".

Harmful bacteria can have their genomes sequenced within a few weeks. The smallest known bacterial genome, that of an obligate  intracellular parasite, has about 450 genes. 

Next he looked at a DNA model to see the bases on the inside and the outer parts. An actual DNA molecule is 19 Å = 1.9 nanometers [nm] in diameter, but the diameter of the model is 0.19 meters.  Thus, the model is larger than the actual molecule by a factor of 100,000,000; or 10⁸.

23 October 2001: Robert McBride (Fuller School) First-time mini-teacher
Rob led a discussion of genetic molecules, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). We generated the following list of words that we felt to be related to these molecules:

heredity, genes, proteins, cells, blueprints, double helix

Rob added the words chromosome and nucleus to the list.  

Rob asked us to role-play 13 year olds, and to make a color drawing of what one of these objects might look like. Rob supplied us with glue, paper, markers, colored pencils, scissors, etc.  We then compared our drawings with  the objects themselves.  Some of the answers were accurate (drawings of double helix, cell, nucleus), whereas others were vague (printing in "blue" for "blueprint", for example).

04 December 2001: Karlene Joseph (Lane Tech HS) Handout: Cell Diversity
Karlene started by asking "What types of cells are there?"
Frana  mentioned animal and plant cells.  Inside the human body we have these types of cells:

Activity: Karlene distributed clumps of clay of the same volume.  Each person took a clump and molded it into shapes corresponding to the shape of a given type of cell.  Here are some examples:

• Skin Cells (flattened).  This makes sense, because skin cells are used as a cover.
  
• Muscle Cells (elongated):  They contract and relax in the direction of movement.
• Red Blood Cells
  • Normal (disc shaped; concave): R allele
  • Sickle Cell (crescent shaped): r allele

This also led to a discussion of the sizes of various types of cells, which vary (generally) from  a few to a few dozen microns in diameter (1 micron = 1 mm = 10^-6 meters).  We considered intrinsic limitations in sizes of cells in terms of the surface area/volume ratio.  We made "clay cells" of various shapes using our clumps of clay.  Then we measured the dimensions and calculated the surface/volume ratios.  [For example, a cube of side 2.5 cm has a surface area of 37.5 cm² and volume of 15.625 cm³, so that the surface to volume ratio is 2.40 cm^-1.]  Cells need to be small so that the surface/volume ratio is large,  so that cells are able to absorb O₂, food, and other nutrients at rates required to support life.  By contrast, large egg cells already have the nutrients inside them, so that they are not limited so much in size.  (For example, consider ostrich eggs.)

Very interesting, Karlene!.

05 March 2002: Karlene Joseph (Lane Tech HS) -- Gas Laws
Karlene first showed a diagram that allows us to determine how electrons fill atomic orbitals, from lower energy to higher energy:

The filled P-subshells occur for noble gases:  Z= 2 (Helium), 10 (Neon), 18 (Argon), 36 (Krypton), 54 (Xenon), 84 (Radon), and 118 (¿¿ Valium ??).  It appears as though atoms with atomic number of 118 are at about the limit of discovery.

Karlene next considered the role of oxygen in cellular respiration.  She began by posing these three questions:

Now we come to the topic of electron transport.  The compounds NADH and FADH₂ donate high energy electrons to a transport chain in the inner mitochondrial membrane.  As the electrons are passed from one component of the chain to the next, and ultimately to hydrogen ions H⁺  and O₂ molecules to form water, energy is released and used to pump hydrogen ions H⁺ from the mitochondrial matrix into the inter-membrane space.  The hydrogen ion then moves back from the region of high concentration [inter-membrane space] to low concentration [matrix] and releases energy.  The energy released in this process is used to form ATP from ADP, thereby storing more energy in the cell.  It is estimated that as many as 34 ATP molecules can be created from the energy in a single glucose molecule by this process of electron transport. Consequently, one can store the energy in a single glucose molecule by creating up to 38 ATP molecules.

Karlene then had us form a (human) electron transport chain, with each person being either part of the electron transport chain (passing electrons on to the next link) or to a second cycle of (human} "oxygens" taking up electrons at the end of the chain and producing water at the same rate as electrons are passing through the chain.  We then reduced the number of "oxygens" by about 60%, so that the electron chain is forced to move more slowly.  If all the "oxygens" sat down, no electron transport could occur, and we would lose the energy stored in 34 ATP's.

Great activity, and great lesson, Karlene!

02 April 2002: Estellvenia Sanders (CVHS, deaf students)    What is a cell?
Estellvenia introduced these key words:  cell, cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, vacuoles. The focus of the lesson was to identify parts of the cell (key words).  As a model for the cell, she introduced a cucumber slice.  The nucleus of the cell corresponded to the "seeds", the cytoplasm to the fruit , the "membrane: with the inner cucumber wall, and the "cell wall" with the outer skin of the cucumber.  She mentioned that one could also use a transversely sliced hard-boiled egg (which is, in effect, a single cell) to visualize cellular structure.

02 April 2002: Karlene Joseph (Lane Tech Biology)  Facial features with a genetic basis
Karlene passed out a handout concerning facial features for us to determine for our own faces by looking at ourselves with a hand mirror.  We catalogued some of the following facial features:

We made quantitative measurements -- wherever possible -- by using a ruler with the mirror and we resorted to descriptive answers only where necessary.  In her handout, the "genotype" as well as the "phenotype" for each of these traits is given. [See http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/genotype-phenotype/ and http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/bc/ahp/BioInfo/GP/Definition.html.]  For example, the genotype [coded information] for "pointed nose" is "rr" and the "phenotype" is the physical characteristic of pointed features.

The distances between our eyes varied from 2.8 to 3.5 cm, and it was unclear as to how to separate "eyes close" and "eyes far apart" with our small sample.  Also, it was unclear as to whether the distances should be normalized to overall body size, or taken as absolute indicators.

In a larger class, we could have pooled the data to see whether the "allele frequencies" for the class are consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium equation, the basic equation for population genetics.  [Hardy-Weinberg Equation:  http://anthro.palomar.edu/synthetic/synth_2.htm] Attached or unattached earlobes would be a good trait for such a test.  Good, Karlene!

08 April 2003: Chris Etapa [Gunsaulus Academy]        Constructing Models of Cells and Organelles
Chris showed us models of cells with labeled parts, which were made by her 7-8 grade students.  The students could prepare a model, or do a research project  on cells.  We were very impressed by the artistry and creativity of her students.  Here is a brief summary of the project assignment:

• Option #1: Cell / Organelle Model
  This is an art-craft project. You can make a scaled three-dimensional model of an organelle and/or a cell. Each model must have a descriptive label identifying parts of structures. Exceptional two-dimensional art work may be allowed with special permission.
• Option #2: Cell / Organelle Creative Expression
  • Write an original song on topic. YOU MUST PRESENT THE SONG to the class and turn in typed copies of the lyrics. "Presentation" means sing it or have it on tape/CD.
  • Write an original poem/story on the topic.  YOU MUST RECITE IT TO THE CLASS and turn in typed copies.
  • Videos/DVDs will be shown to the class.  VIDEOS MAY BE A GROUP PROJECT.  Warning:  Be careful if you choose a partner -- joint projects should be twice as good as individual ones.  Presentations should not exceed 5 minutes. 

06 May 2003: Marva Anyanwu [Green Elementary School]        Genetic Engineering II [handout]
Marva continued her previous lesson on genetic engineering, using construction paper cutouts with magnets on the back, so that they would stick nicely to our blackboard.  She showed the basics of making a recombinant DNA molecule by using two colors of construction paper.   The idea is first to cut out a piece of a given DNA strand with an enzyme: cutting.  Then, we use another enzyme to cut a DNA piece from another organism, and insert that piece into the empty space of the first DNA, using still another enzyme:  ligation. The complete process of moving a section of DNA from the genes of one organism to the genes of another organism is called Gene Splicing.  In this way one constructs new forms of DNA:  Genetic Engineering.  For additional details see the website What is Genetic Engineering?:  http://www.bootstrike.com/Genetics/Home/index.html or http://agbiosafety.unl.edu/basic_genetics.shtml.

Very nice, Marva!

23 March 2004: Carol Giles [Collins HS]         Defining, Identifying, and Interpreting a Pedigree
Carol began this Genetics lesson by reviewing the ideas behind a pedigree --- a portrait of the genetic (ancestral) history of a trait in a family.  In particular, she focused attention upon particular hereditary traits, such as D:  detached earlobe versus a: attached earlobe. The D: detached earlobe trait is dominant over the a: attached earlobe trait.  We analyzed the pedigrees of four individuals, indicating the genotypes for each ancestor, and the modes of propagation.

Note that 75% of our population have detached earlobes, whereas 25% have attached earlobes.  See the website Comparing Traits:   http://faculty.southwest.tn.edu/jiwilliams/Human_Traits.htm.  For additional information see also:  http://www.fi.edu/guide/knox/Traits/traitsexamples.pdf.  

Very interesting stuff, Carol!

14 September 2004: Ben Stark (IIT)
then discussed the genetics of sex determination in humans. Normal human males have the sex chromosome composition of XY, and females, XX. In human embryonic development, the default is development into a female. The Y chromosome contains a gene (SRY), which encodes the protein "testis determining factor" (TDF). At a certain point in development the SRY gene is turned on, and TDF is made. It causes the as yet undifferentiated gonads to develop as testes. The testes then secrete testosterone, which results in the development of other male specific characteristics. In the absence of TDF, the undifferentiated gonads develop into ovaries, which secrete female hormones, resulting in female development. Unusual XY individuals can be female if the SRY gene is missing or mutated. Unusual XX males have a piece of the Y chromosome containing the SRY gene "translocated" to one of the X chromosomes. XY individuals that lack a functional testosterone receptor cannot respond to the presence of testosterone and develop as females (although they have vestigial testes instead of ovaries and are thus sterile).

07 December 2004: Chris Etapa [Gunsaulus Academy]               Mutations and Variation
Chris distributed a handout obtained from the Museum of Science and Industry -- written by Melanie Wojtulewicz.

We didn’t have time to do all the activities, all of which involve genetics and DNA, but did talk briefly about the Punnett square analysis with Sickle Cells, isolation of DNA from peas, cloning of Dolly the Sheep, and the activity illustrating the various types of mutations.  What we did today was to make a model of DNA using pipe cleaners, longer continuous pieces for the “sides” of the “DNA ladder” (the “sugar-phosphate” backbone), shorter pieces for each “rung” (“base pair”) of the ladder and colored beads, strung two on each rung, for the bases (one color for each base).  We made sure that for each base pair the appropriate colors (bases) were paired with each other:

Another great learning activity!

22 February 2005: Marva Anyanwu [Wendell Green Elementary School]           Human Traits (handout)
We worked in pairs and investigated the first three traits in Marva's handout (eye color, "tongue rolling", and "finger crossing". Here are the results for the class:

We then used a coin toss to simulate/illustrate the "segregation" of the two alleles of a particular single gene of a parent when gametes are formed ( known as Mendel's First Law), since the process is governed by simple rules of probability.

29 March 2005: Marva Anyanwu [Wendell Green Elementary School]             Genetics
As a followup to her miniteach of last time concerning genetics, Marva brought an exercise illustrating the Punnett square, which is a classic device used to work out elementary genetics problems (see http://anthro.palomar.edu/mendel/mendel_2.htm). In the example that Marva provided, we were looking at a hypothetical case involving inheritance of tail color in "critters". The "T" gene determines tail color, the t allele (recessive) determining orange tail and the T allele (dominant) determining blue tail. We first use the Punnett square (and blue and orange crayons as a mnemonic for the alleles) to predict the fraction of blue and orange tail offspring in a mating between two blue tailed critters, each with a "genotype" of Tt. In this typical example of a monohybrid cross, we expect genotypes in the offspring of TT to Tt to tt in a ratio of 1 to 2 to 1; due to the dominant and recessive relationships, the expected "phenotypes" in the offspring will be blue-to-orange in a ratio of 3 -to-1. Two other examples allowed us to extend our familiarity with this technique/set of concepts.

We continued with a lively discussion of other topics in genetics such as XX, XY sex determination, X-chromosome inactivation, etc.

Enlightening, Marva.