The Gene Factor
Family History

Menu Mary-Claire King: Prevention Pioneer (B) Genes and Cancer (R) Genetics: A Timeline (T) Gene BRCA1 (R) Gene p53 (R) Cracking the Code: A Simulation (C) Cracking the Code: Mutations (P) Isolating DNA (L) T = Timeline R = Reading B = Biography L = Laboratory   C = Class activity P = Paper activity M = Mathematics I = Interactive web activity

Cancer is a disease with more than 100 forms. Its diversity stems from the variety of causes for cancer. Modern research has shown, however, that whatever the environmental cause, changes in genetic material in cells is crucial. It is now certain that the molecular events that lead to cancer are deeply rooted in human genes. Among the types of genes are oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and DNA repair genes.

In this section of the module you can introduce your class to fundamental concepts related to genetics and cancer. There are several readings for background, two readings on important genes, and three activities available for your use.

For more information, at other Web sites...

Education — large index of genetics and biotechnology Web sites, from the Biotechnology Industry Organization.

Genetic Lesson Plan Ideas — from the University of Kansas.

Genomics: A Global Resource–Education — directory of all kinds of educational resources on genetics, from The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

High School Curriculum — comprehensive and modular teaching materials on biology and genetics, from the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study.

Tobacco Induced Mutations — an activity in which students subject bacteria to tobacco smoke and observe the resulting mutagenic effects, from the University of Arizona Center for Toxicology Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center Community Outreach and Education Program Educational Resources.