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Lab Simulation: Analyzing gene structure using bacteriophages

Engage your students with a point‑and‑click interactive!

  • Explore how bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) have been used to probe the structure of genes.
  • Review classic experiments like recombination assays in phage T4 and how genetic mapping revealed the fine structure of genes.
  • Learn how plaque assays can be used to measure phage growth and infer genetic changes.
  • Understand how phage life cycles and DNA transfer contribute to genetic studies.

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Launch Simulation
Duration
±15 minutes
Published
10/3/2024
Level
High School
Subject
Molecular Biology

Learning objectives

  • Describe how viruses help scientists study genes: Students will be able to explain how bacteriophages are used to learn about gene structure and mutations.
  • Connect experiments to DNA as genetic material: Students will be able to explain how classic experiments, like Hershey–Chase and Benzer’s work, showed that DNA carries genetic information.

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Concepts covered

Bacteriophages, gene structure, recombination, T4 phage, plaque assay, lysogeny, lytic cycle, Hershey‑Chase experiment

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Resources

Standards

HS‑LS1‑1 - Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.

  • [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include identification of specific cell or tissue types, whole body systems, specific protein structures and functions, or the biochemistry of protein synthesis.]

HS‑LS3‑1 - Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.

  • [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include the phases of meiosis or the biochemical mechanism of specific steps in the process.]

HS‑LS3‑2 - Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.

  • [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on using data to support arguments for the way variation occurs.]
  • [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include the phases of meiosis or the biochemical mechanism of specific steps in the process.]

HS‑LS3‑3 - Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation and distribution of expressed traits in a population.

  • [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the use of mathematics to describe the probability of traits as it relates to genetic and environmental factors in the expression of traits.]
  • [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include Hardy‑Weinberg calculations.]

HS‑LS1‑4 - Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms.

  • [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include specific gene control mechanisms or rote memorization of the steps of mitosis.]

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Created with support from
Created with support from
Amgen Foundation

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