Dave Stone, University Laboratory High School, Urbana, IL.

CTER Program Final Project, Summer, 1998.

Lesson #1 - Introduction to Online Genetic Databases and Gene Sequences (1 day activity)

Assumed Background:

All students will have completed a year of Introductory Biology prior to enrolling in the Field Biology class. It is assumed that all have a good grasp of Mendelian and transmission genetics, including gene structure and function.

Objectives:

  • Students will develop or reinforce skills in using Internet search engines.
  • Students will be introduced to a number of different online genetic databases and resources.
  • Students will summarize their findings in written form.

    • Materials:

    Time:

    Assignment:

    Introduction to Online Genetic Databases and Gene Sequences

    This activity will introduce students to online genetic databases accessible to anyone with a computer, Internet connection and web browsing software. Using the Internet search engine of your choice, examine a number of different online genetic databases. As you browse these databases, keep the following questions in mind:

    Which organisms are sufficiently genetically understood that we can begin efforts toward development of databases? List URLs and names of the four sites you find most useful in terms of general information. Be certain that each of the sites deals with a different species.

    Why are these databases useful to scientists? You may come up with somewhat different information, though I would like you to answer this question using information specifically from one or more of the web sites you encounter . Be certain that it is clear which site the information comes from AND be certain to site the web source appropriately (see Bibliographic Formats for Citing Electronic Information). Print a copy of the home page of the online database you find most useful.

    Now, using the search engine of your choice, find a gene sequence for a gene of your choice. I suggest you initially use the phrase "gene sequence" by itself or in combination with another term. I will have a list of common human single-gene defects to assist you in finding additional keywords for narrowing topics, should you need additional assistance. List the site's name, URL and a brief description of the sequence (e.g. number of variations, frequency of each variation) as well as any additional information provided. If there are links to other sites, please comment briefly on the number and quality of those links.

    This activity should be written up using the following format: 1) Title, 2) Purpose (in complete sentences), 3) Description of Pertinent Online Genetic Databases (be certain to devote a single paragraph to each of the four web sites you select), and 4) Gene Sequence Information (see description in the previous paragraph).

    This activity write-up, completed in its entirety, carries a weighting of ten exam points, making up 10% of the first exam. It must be stapled to your first exam and turned in at the time you turn in your first exam.

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    Last modified on July 26, 1998.