St. John Fisher College: Noveera Ahmed Ed Freeman Why are my cells different? Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Joe Duffy Ally Hunter Luis Vidali St. John Fisher College: Noveera Ahmed Ed Freeman Facilitators: Jennifer Nauen, University of Delaware Jessamina Blum, Yale University

Classroom Setting Freshman Level Course: Introductory Biology Coverage to this point includes: scientific method, cell theory, structure/function/replication of DNA, transcription and translation Our UNIT – Eukaryotic Gene Expression (The Next Theme: Gene Regulation)

Learning Goals Learning Outcomes 1. Students will have conceptual understanding of the central dogma. 2. Students will have conceptual understanding of What a gene is? 3. Students will understand the role of the central dogma in cellular differentiation 3. Students will be able to: a. create a concept map to review the flow of genetic information in a cell. b. identify and explain the various levels at which gene expression may occur. c. interpret and construct graphical representations of data. d. apply this understanding to a novel situation e. appreciate the biological significance of diversity. 4. Students will appreciate our limits in understanding gene expression (past and future).

Eukaryotic Gene Expression Lesson objectives: • be able to create a concept map to review the flow of genetic information in a cell. • be able to identify and explain the various levels at which gene expression may occur. • be able to interpret and construct graphical representations of data. • be able to apply this understanding to a new situation • be able to appreciate diversity within and between organisms.

Why are my cells different?

What are the differences?

Let's review Central Dogma – build a concept map. 1. In your small groups, write the following terms on the provided post-it notes DNA RNA Protein Transcription Translation DNA 2. Use markers to draw the location of the nucleus and cytoplasm with respect to your labeled sticky notes

What happens if Transcription is off? Central Dogma What happens if Transcription is off? DNA Nucleus RNA Transcription Cytoplasm Translation Protein ?

What happens if Translation is off? Central Dogma What happens if Translation is off? DNA Nucleus RNA Transcription Cytoplasm Translation Protein ?

Let's consider this in the context of differences in cell types   What do the data in the graph below demonstrate? Consult with your neighbor and write a one sentence description. Cardiac Muscle cell Epidermal Skin cell Myosin protein levels Myosin is a family of proteins that play a role in a variety of cell processes including muscle contraction.

Myosin levels are different. How can this be explained? Clicker question: Myosin levels are different. How can this be explained? A.Regulation of Transcription. B. Regulation of Translation. DNA Nucleus RNA Transcription Cytoplasm Translation Protein

Using your Clickers answer the following question: Where is the greater similarity in DNA?                 A. between different cell types in the same individual.                 B. between same cell types in different individuals.

What about differences between cells? Keratin is a key structural protein making up the outer layer of skin.

Let's revisit diversity... On the graphs you were given: Plot your understanding of gene expression plot with a neighbor the expected protein levels of Keratin. Duff’s cells Keratin protein levels Epidermal Skin cell Cardiac cell Neuron White blood cell

Different levels of Keratin are expressed in different cell types! Cardiac cell Skin cell – keratinocyte Neuron Duff’s cells White blood We predict: Different levels of Keratin are expressed in different cell types!

Given your understanding of gene expression plot with a neighbor the expected protein levels of Keratin. Keratin Protein levels in epidermal cell Noveera Ed Ally Luis Duff

Different people have similar levels of Keratin levels Skin cell - keratinocyte Noveera ED Ally Luis Duff Different people have similar levels of Keratin expression in Skin cells (keratinocytes)!

Through changes in gene expression diversity in cell types can arise!