Changes in the Genetic Code

Students learn about mutations to both DNA and chromosomes, and uncontrolled changes to the genetic code. They are introduced to small-scale mutations (substitutions, deletions and insertions) and large-scale mutations (deletion duplications, inversions, insertions, translocations and nondisjunctions). The effects of different mutations are studied as well as environmental factors that may increase the likelihood of mutations. Students practice their understanding of different mutation types and processes with the associated activity based off of the childhood game “telephone” . A PowerPoint® presentation and pre/post-assessments are provided.