• Unit 10: Gene Expression

    In this unit, you will learn about the universal genetic codes deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid, which are better known as DNA and RNA. DNA and RNA are universal because one or both are found in every known organism! As you learned in Unit 7, the DNA and RNA in every organism are made up of the same few "ingredients". However, the slight differences are what account for the differences between species (what makes a dog different from a toadstool) and the differences within species (what makes you different from your neighbor). This unit will give you a greater understanding of the genetic code and its impact on your life.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • explain the molecular basis of heritable traits, and how information in DNA is ultimately expressed as a protein.

    • 10.1: DNA Replication and Synthesis

    • 10.2: Transcription, Translation, and Synthesis

      • DNA Transcription URL

        Read these three sections from Module 11, which cover DNA replication and synthesis. Be sure to complete the activities in each section.

      • Translation URL

        The process of protein synthesis begins with the process of translation.

      • Protein Synthesis URL

        Read this section and complete the "Learn by Doing" and "Did I Get This" activities as you go.

    • 10.3: Regulating Gene Expression

    • 10.4: DNA Technology

      • Genes and Health – Moving Beyond Race Page

        Watch this video and think about the topics from this course that are addressed in this project. As you watch, consider the following questions:

        • What disease are the scientists studying?
        • What is the hypothesis that the scientists hope to support?
        • What causes human genetic variation?
        • How do scientists determine ancestry?
        • In terms of asthma, what can scientists determine when they compare ancestral patterns?
        • How might these findings be used in the future?

    • Unit 10 Assessment

      • Unit 10 Assessment Quiz

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.