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Cracking the Code of Life
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Related NOVA Resources
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The following resources from the companion Web site accompany this program:
Watch the Program Here
Find brief overviews and curriculum-connected
descriptions of the contents of this two-hour
program; broken into 16 viewable chapters.
(Requires QuickTime or RealPlayer plug-in.)
(Grades 6-8, 9-12)
Explore a Stretch of Code (Hot Science)
When researchers look at the human genome,
they see many things, from long strings of
code that are almost identical to the code
in baker's yeast to variations in single letter
that can mean the difference between health
and disease. Explore a stretch of code for
yourself and see what some researchers see.
(Shockwave plug-in required; non-Shockwave version available.) (Grades 9-12)
Sequence for Yourself
How did researchers determine the sequence
of A's, G's, C's, and T's that comprise the
genome? Learn how in this step-by-step
explanation of how DNA is sequenced. (Requires
Flash plug-in.) (Grades 9-12)
Journey into DNA (Hot Science)
Where and how does the famous double helix
fit into chromosomes, and how do chromosomes
relate to the human body? Travel into the
tiny world of DNA in this online activity, which
zooms into 15 different levels. (Requires
Flash plug-in.) (Grades 6-8, 9-12)
Meet the Decoders
Listen to or read about proteomics, what may
come true from the movie GATTACA, how DNA
gets read, and more with these interviews of three
key players in the human genome field: Dr.
Francis Collins, director of the National
Center for Human Genome Research; Dr. Craig
Venter, head of the private company Celera
Genomics; and Dr. Eric Lander of MIT's Whitehead
Institute. (Requires QuickTime or RealPlayer plug-in.) (Grades 9-12)
Nature Vs. Nurture Revisited
Scientists have estimated that humans only
have about 30,000 genes. It's led some to
speculate how much of a role genes play
in disease and personality. Geneticist and
writer Kevin Davies revisits the nature vs.
nurture debate in this essay.
(Grades 6-8, 9-12)
Understanding Heredity
Journey from Pythagoras's time to today's Human
Genome Project in this timeline of how our
understanding of heredity has changed throughout
history. Note: This feature contains sexual
reproduction language. Please preview the text
to determine its appropriateness for your
students. (Grades 9-12)
Manipulating Genes: How Far is too Far?
How do you feel about the issues surrounding
the future of genetics? Read an interview with
Philip Kitcher, a professor of philosophy at
Columbia University, for his thoughts on
the issues. (Grades 6-8, 9-12)
Our Genetic Future (A Survey)
Would you want yourself or a loved one to be
tested for a gene that increases your risk for
a disease but does not determine whether you
will actually develop the disease? Should
altering a newly conceived person to improve
normal qualities—such as innate intelligence,
appearance, or strength—be allowed? Should
genes or other genomic material be patented?
These are just a few of the questions raised
by the Human Genome Project. Let us know how
you feel. (Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12)
Plus:
Resources
Program Transcript
Complete narration for the TV program.
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