The Basic of Genetics

• Tour of the Basics: Are you a little confused by all the talk about DNA and genes? Try our animated tour!

DNA from the Beginning

An animated primer on the basics of DNA, genes, and heredity. It is organized around key concepts. The science behind each concept is explained by: animation, image gallery, video interviews, problem, biographies, and links.

• Animations by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

From DNA to Protein

• Build a DNA molecule: You've heard about the DNA code letters AGCT, but how do they comprise a DNA molecule? Find out by building one yourself.

• Transcribe and Translate a Gene: See how cells "read" the information in a DNA sequence to build a protein, then build one yourself!

• Discover How Proteins Function: Find out how scientists investigate protein function by analyzing gene sequences.

Beyond Genetics

• Molecular Genealogy: Find out how people are using DNA to learn about their ancestry.

• What Makes a Firefly Glow? An animated example of transcription and translation.

• Conservation Genetics: Using genetics to save endangered species.

• Genes and Blood Type: The role of genes in blood, blood types, and blood transfusions.

• Genes Determine Body Patterns: How and why certain genes control how an arm becomes an arm and leg becomes a leg.

• Mystery of the Stolen Artifacts: Examine DNA evidence to solve a mystery.

• Bringing RNA Into View: Explore RNA's roles as an information molecule and biological catalyst. This unit contains an online introduction and detailed PDF monograph.

Genetics of Development Animations

Cyclopamine: The normal Hedgehog signaling pathway is blocked by the receptor antagonist cyclopamine. Hedgehog Gradient: The level of Hedgehog protein a cell binds during development can influence its fate. Hedgehog Signaling: The Hedgehog signaling pathway triggers expression of other developmentally important genes. Homeobox: The color-shaded regions represent homeotic genes called Hox genes. The dark band within each gene represents a 180-base-pair region called the homeodomain. Homeodomain: A 3-D model of a protein with a homeodomain, a èhelix-turn-helixî motif that acts as a transcription factor by binding directly to DNA to turn on other genes. Retinoic Acid: A retinoic acid gradient controls the activation of many developmentally important genes. Disruptions in the embryoçs retinoic acid levels can lead to malformation of the embryo. Spatial and Temporal Colinearity: Hox genes display spatial colinearity Ê genes at one end of the chromosome are expressed at the head end of an embryo while genes at the other end are expressed toward the tail end. Vertebrate Hox genes also show temporal colinearity Ê genes at the head end are expressed before those at the tail end.

• Animations by Rediscovering Biology

Genetically Modified Organisms Animations

Creation of a Transgenic Animal: The steps involved using nuclear transfer to create a transgenic goat that produces a human protein in its milk. Creation of Golden Rice: A diagrammatic representation of the enzymatic pathway constructed to produce beta carotene in the endosperm of a rice plant. Recombinant DNA: The steps involved in genetically modifying a plant.

• Animations by Rediscovering Biology

How Tiny Machines Switch On Genes
Travel deep into a cell's nucleus and watch how tiny machines decode a gene.

• Animation by The Rockefeller University

Silence Of The Genes
Travel inside DNA's protective packaging, chromatin.

• Animation by The Rockefeller University

Heredity

• Genetics Tutorials RM Chute
• Java Genetics zeroBio
• Independent Assortment Sumanas
• Genetics Animations California State University, Chico
• Genetics Animations by Tokyo Medical University
• Karyotype Activities Genetic Science Learning Center
• Animated Karotyping University of Glasgow
• Karyotype Analysis Monmouth University
• What is Inheritance? Genetic Science Learning Center
• Genetics of Development Annenberg/CPB

• Mutation

Dragon Genetics

This activity explores the relationship between genotype and phenotype, using both sex-linked and autosomal dominant and recessive traits. By manipulating alleles (genotype), you create corresponding changes in the dragon's physical appearance (phenotype).

• Genotype to Phenotype Animations by BioLogica

Mendel's Peas

Parts 1 and 2 (top menus, left to right) demonstrate basic principles of meiosis, fertilization, and inheritance using the same pea traits that Mendel studied. We suggest you start at the beginning to brush up on the basics. But if you just can't wait to play the game, skip ahead to Part 3, The Princess and the Wrinkled Peas.

• Animations and Games by BioLogica

Understanding Genetic Disorders

• What Are Genetic Disorders? Learn more about specific disorders in the Genetic Disorders Library.

• What Can Our Chromosomes Tell Us? Scientists can predict certain genetic disorders by looking at a person's chromosomes. Find out how this is done and try it yourself.

• Test Neurofibromin Activity in a Cell! Predict and test the effects of NF1 mutations.

• Finding A Gene On The Chromosome Map: See how scientists look for disorder-related genes.

Tools of the Trade

• Tools of the Trade: Explore the methods for delivering genes into cells.

Your Genes Your Health

• A multimedia guide to genetic disorders by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

What is Gene Therapy?

• What is Gene Therapy? The what and why of gene therapy research.

Choosing Targets for Gene Therapy

• Choosing Targets for Gene Therapy: See how researchers decide which disorders are appropriate for gene therapy.

From Research To Trials

• From Research To Trials: How long does it take? Follow a gene therapy treatment from the lab to the clinic.

Challenges in Gene Therapy

• Challenges in Gene Therapy: Why isn't gene therapy a smashing success?

Genetics Animations

• Classic Genetics
• Genetics Tutorials(java script) RM Chute
• Who Owns Your Genes BIONET
• Genetics animations California State University, Chico
• A multimedia Guide to Genetic Disorders Your Genes Your Health
• Tokyo University Genetics Study Group Tokyo Medical University
• Blood Type Calculator University of Arizona
• Introduction to Genetics GlaxoSmithKline
• Genetic Engineering
• PCR Animation Dolan DNA Learning Center
• Southern Blot Animation Dolan DNA Learning Center
• Jumping Genes (AC/DS Transposition) Dolan DNA Learning Center
• Gene Therapy - Molecular Bandage? Genetic Science Learning Center
• Evolution Lab by Leif Saul
• The Human Genome Project animations
• Gene Almanac Features Dolan DNA Learning Center
• Karyotype Analysis Monmouth University
• Chromosome 11 -Sickle Cell Gene Channel 4
• Inherited Disease Koshland Science Museum