DNA Gene editing / restriction enzyme expansion set.

thingiverse

Recently Gene Editing has been making headlines in the news. With the advent of this technology, it is now possible to edit the DNA of humans and other organisms with unprecedented precision. Lesson Plans and lab work are now available on my teacher pay teacher site, https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/3D-Printable-DNA-RNA-Manipulative-Lab-1-3452084 Gene editing is also known as genetic modification, gene splicing, genome editing, or gene therapy. All of them use restriction enzymes/nucleases "Molecular scissors" to cut and splice different genes into the host DNA. In exploring online resources, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genome_editing, there are thousands of different nucleases that work in unique ways to edit DNA. To model nucleases, I designed this expansion set for my DNA/RNA manipulative set. http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1259352 Using these DNA blocks, students can easily move and manipulate their choice of nucleases. In the file I include 1 bp and 6 bp block so that students can explore the most common restriction enzymes. I did simplify this by removing the phosphate group (P) block from this to save space on the students' desktops. Print Settings Printer Brand: LulzBot Printer Model: TAZ 5 Rafts: Doesn't Matter Supports: Doesn't Matter Resolution: 0.1 - 0.3 mm Infill: 5-10% Notes: Print in clear or a color not used with the rest of the DNA set. I included the 3 prime and 5 prime tag files so that students can mark which end their DNA is spliced. Put a piece of clear packing tape over the blank space, use a dry erase marker to write the name of your restriction enzyme. How I Designed This Expansion Set This is an expansion set built from http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1259352 Print up the DNA set first, then use the base pairs (A,T,C,G) inside the slots of the D pieces. This was designed in TinkerCAD. Custom Section PROJECT: Gene Editing These pieces are to expand upon students' knowledge of DNA and gene editing. Students can use these to produce their own restriction enzymes/nucleases. They can further use these to demonstrate their knowledge of gene editing, and model the restriction enzymes used in gene editing. Objectives Students will demonstrate and describe gene editing. Students will model the different types of restriction enzymes. Students will explore the ethics and implications of gene editing. Students will explore how to cure genetic diseases with gene editing. Genetic students should demonstrate the different types of mutations used in gene editing. Genetic students should demonstrate the different restriction enzymes used. Genetic students should demonstrate how to select the restriction enzymes to use for any procedure. Audiences This is intended for AP Biology, College biology, genetics students. It can also be used by genetic researchers, gene counselors, or medical professionals. Preparation Students should already know about DNA, RNA, and restriction enzymes. Students should already know that gene editing is a new process to modify DNA. Students should know the parts of the model set, and how to manipulate them into DNA code. Students should know the different types of mutations. Teachers should 3D print at least 2 (6D) blocks per team. Teachers should prepare reading or videos that show how restriction enzymes work. Steps a. Model how a restriction enzyme works and how it cuts DNA along specific sequences. b. Model how these restriction enzymes can insert, delete, or otherwise mutate DNA. c. Model how gene editing would happen for a specific disease. d. Model how to edit a gene for a specific sequence, showing how the DNA is altered from original to new DNA. e. Explore the legal and ethical ramifications for gene editing. f. Have students engage in presidential-style debate for the pros/cons of gene editing. g. Have the student prepare a report to go before a congressional hearing or medical panel. Consider having students present before medical professionals. h. Have students present the process to others or underclassmen. Results When finished, students should demonstrate the following: a. The process of gene editing. b. The use of restriction enzymes. c. The process of mutating DNA to fit our intent. d. Understand the legal and ethical ramifications for gene editing.