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The structure of DNA, discovered by James Watson and Francis Crick, suggests a mechanism of replication. The double helix unwinds, and each strand acts as a template for the construction of the new DNA molecule.

2:32 DNA replication animation

10 min video on replication

Explore DNA replication and the roles of various components in this process. You'll interact with this virtual lab to collect data, make observations, analyze findings, and draw conclusions.

In molecular biology, ligation refers to the joining of two DNA fragments through the formation of a phosphodiester bond. An enzyme known as a ligase catalyzes the ligation reaction. In the cell, ligases repair single and double strand breaks that occur during DNA replication. In the laboratory, DNA ligase is used during molecular cloning to join DNA fragments of inserts with vectors - carrier DNA molecules that will replicate target fragments in host organisms.

7 minute video; mash up of multiple cool animation videos - 0-1:20   supercoiling DNA to chromosomes 1:25- 1:40 cell division/mitosis 1:45-2:50  DNA replication  2:55-4:45   transcription  4:50-6:55  translation 7:00-7:47

This case study provides an overview of the seminal experimental work that led to the discovery of DNA structure and the confirmation of the semi-conservative model of DNA replication. By guiding students through a chronological series of historic experiments and discussing some of the collaborations and controversies involved in the original research, students learn about the history and nature of science in addition to several important biological concepts. A number of recommended videos, including one created by the author, enable instructors to use the "flipped-classroom" mode of instruction according to which students read primary literature and watch videos on their own before group discussions and activities. The case study was developed for use in an introductory undergraduate biology course, and would also be appropriate for use in a high school biology course. Some prior knowledge or instruction may be required, depending on the level and learning objectives of the course.

What does it mean to be 'alive'? At a basic level, viruses are proteins and genetic material that survive and replicate within their environment, inside another life form. In the absence of their host, viruses are unable to replicate and many are unable to survive for long in the extracellular environment. Therefore, if they cannot survive independently, can they be defined as being 'alive'?

3:05min video coiling and replication

All introductory biology textbooks, and many sophomore-level genetics textbooks as well, describe several classic experiments in molecular biology. This interrupted case study takes students through two of these classic experiments, namely, those by Griffith and Avery, McCarty and MacLeod that showed DNA to be the genetic material in Streptococcus pneumoniae, and the experiment by Meselson and Stahl that demonstrated DNA replication to be semiconservative. Engaging students with the experiments in a more exploratory manner can reinforce the nature of scientific discovery and the logic behind these findings. The case, which has been formatted as two separate exercises that can be used independently, was developed for use in introductory biology classes for biology majors. The material is accessible enough to also be useful for non-majors college biology or high school AP biology students.

This activity can be used in conjunction with the short film The Double Helix. It introduces students to the classic experiment by Matthew Meselson and Franklin Stahl, which revealed that DNA replication follows the semiconservative model.

Interactive requiring shockwave:  Replicate DNA, transcribe and translate a sequence of virtual DNA.  Reading and information includied.  Good webquest component.

The TEP Clearinghouse is an online compendium of science resources within targeted states. Laboratory-based programming at the state, national, and virtual level is highlighted, as well as public / private partnerships that are cost effective, replicable, scalable, and assessable. The Clearinghouse is available cost free to any teacher and all content listed is free to access and use in the classroom.  Over 1,200 resources have been identified to date.

1:00 video

Origins of life with self-replicating molecules

Can you grow a human bone outside the human body? The answer may soon be yes. Nina Tandon explores the possibility by examining how bones naturally grow inside the body, and illuminating how scientists are hoping to replicate that process in a lab.

In order to be useful in treating human infections, antibiotics must selectively target bacteria for eradication and not the cells of its human host. Indeed, modern antibiotics act either on processes that are unique to bacteria--such as the synthesis of cell walls or folic acid--or on bacterium-specific targets within processes that are common to both bacterium and human cells, including protein or DNA replication. Following are some examples.

The possibilities of pseudo-peptide-DNA mimics like PNA (peptide nucleic acid) having a role for the prebiotic origin of life prior to an RNA world is discussed on the basis of literature data showing that this type of molecules might have formed on the primitive earth (or other places in the universe), as well as data indicating the possibilities of template-directed PNA chemical replication and ligation. In particular, the merits of an achiral prebiotic genetic material is discussed.

The cellular life cycle, also called the cell cycle, includes many processes necessary for successful self-replication. Beyond carrying out the tasks of routine metabolism, the cell must duplicate its components - most importantly, its genome - so that it can physically split into two complete daughter cells. The cell must also pass through a series of checkpoints that ensure conditions are favorable for division.

4 min video