Welcome ~ and a question ~Welcome ~ and a question ~

“[An] important criticism on the results of our teaching frequently made by those who are not biologists at all, is that the apparent subject-matter of an ordinary course in botany or zoology consists of a congeries of facts more or less closely related among themselves, but having no evident connection with the life of man. To these critics it seems that biologists as a class contribute little or nothing out of their store of knowledge to the solution of the manifold problems of human life. Do scientific biologists contribute no more to the progress of human society than, for example, the scientific philologists?”

– Henry R. Linville

“[An] important criticism on the results of our teaching frequently made by those who are not biologists at all, is that the apparent subject-matter of an ordinary course in botany or zoology consists of a congeries of facts more or less closely related among themselves, but having no evident connection with the life of man. To these critics it seems that biologists as a class contribute little or nothing out of their store of knowledge to the solution of the manifold problems of human life. Do scientific biologists contribute no more to the progress of human society than, for example, the scientific philologists?”

– Henry R. Linville

Using Technologies to Teach Contemporary Issues in Biology

Mark Bloom

M.Bloom@TCU.edu

www.AndrewsInstitute.TCU.edu

Introductions

•Who are you?

•Where/what do you teach?

•What do you hope to get from today?

Code Names for “Class Work”

For any written work you do today, I would like you to use a code to maintain confidentiality and anonymity.

To get your code use the first three letters of your mother’s name followed by your month/day of birth.

For example, my code would be LIN0831

What is Science?

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Checks Lab

Step1. Randomly select 4 checks from your envelope.

Look at the checks carefully and decide what type of data these checks give you as the investigator.

Use your handout to begin to form a list of observations and a list of inferences.

Inferences begin to “tell the story” suggested by the data.

How Confident are You? ___%

Checks Lab

Checks LabStep 2. Randomly select 4 more checks from your envelope.

Continue to construct your story – changing the original idea if you wish.

How Confident are You Now? ___%

Checks LabStep 3. Randomly select 4 more checks from your envelope.

Continue to construct your story.

Write your story on your paper and post it for others to read.

How Confident are You Now? ___%

Checks Lab

Step 4. Share your stories with the rest of the groups. Other groups, if you have find a “problem” with the story being presented, let us know.

What information did another group have that you did not have?

Checks Lab

Your story may differ due to:

1. the order you received the checks

2. your personal bias

3. your prior knowledge

4. information you did NOT have

Checks LabHow is the Check Lab similar to the way science works?

Give an example of science working in a similar manner to this lab.

What is Nature of Science?What is Nature of Science?

The epistemology and sociology of science

Science as a way of knowing

The values and beliefs inherent to scientific knowledge and its development

Lederman, 1992

The epistemology and sociology of science

Science as a way of knowing

The values and beliefs inherent to scientific knowledge and its development

Lederman, 1992

Tenets of NOSTenets of NOS

•Tentative•Empirical•Subjective•Creative•Socially & Culturally Embedded•Observations & Inferences•Theories & Laws

•Tentative•Empirical•Subjective•Creative•Socially & Culturally Embedded•Observations & Inferences•Theories & Laws

TentativeTentative

Scientific knowledge changes in two ways; it grows as new knowledge is discovered and improves as old knowledge is revised corrected.

While scientific knowledge is tentative, there is also much reliability in scientific knowledge because of its empirical basis.

Ray Drenner - Hg Toxicity in Aquatic Systems

EmpiricalEmpirical

Scientific knowledge is based on observations of the natural world.

Although all scientific knowledge is based upon empirical evidence, much scientific knowledge (inferences & theories) lacks hard data directly accessible to the senses.

Archaeopteryx

Pangaea

SubjectivitySubjectivity

Scientists’ theoretical commitments and expectations influence their work.

Scientists’ observations acquire meaning in reference to questions or problems.

These questions or problems, in turn, are derived from certain theoretical perspectives (theory-laden).

H. Pylori

Drs. Barry Marshall & Robin Warren

CreativeCreative

Scientific knowledge involves human imagination and creativity.

Science involves the invention of explanations and this requires a great deal of creativity by scientists.

Dr. Bonnie Bassler

Social and CulturalSocial and Cultural

Science is practiced in the context of a larger culture and scientists are the product of that culture.

Science is affected by the various elements of the culture in which it is embedded.

These elements include social fabric, power structures, politics, socioeconomic factors, philosophy, and religion.

Stem Cell Research & HPV Vaccine

Observations and InferencesObservations and Inferences

Observations are descriptive statements about natural phenomena that are “directly” accessible to the senses.

By contrast, inferences are statements about phenomena that are not “directly” accessible to the senses.

Charles Darwin

And “his” finches

Theories and LawsTheories and LawsTheories and laws are different kinds of knowledge; one can not develop or be transformed into the other.

Laws are statements or descriptions of the relationships among observable phenomena (the “what”).

Theories, by contrast, are inferred explanations for observable phenomena (the “how”).

Contemporary Developments in DNA Technology

Read the two short articles before continuing

What questions do these articles raise?

What single, primary function do all cells in the

human body share?

What single, primary function do all cells in the

human body share?

DNA is the recipe for LifeDNA is the recipe for LifeDNA is the recipe for LifeDNA is the recipe for Life

Each person has a unique complement of DNAEach person has a unique complement of DNA

Each person to have a unique complement of Each person to have a unique complement of proteinsproteins

Each person having a unique appearance and Each person having a unique appearance and behaviorbehavior

Each person has a unique complement of DNAEach person has a unique complement of DNA

Each person to have a unique complement of Each person to have a unique complement of proteinsproteins

Each person having a unique appearance and Each person having a unique appearance and behaviorbehavior

which causeswhich causes

which contributes towhich contributes to

THE BIG PICTURE

In humans, our DNA is arranged in the form of

46 Chromosomes

In humans, our DNA is arranged in the form of

46 Chromosomes

Each Chromosome is the equivalent of a cookbook

containing recipes for making proteins

Based on: Mader, S. Based on: Mader, S. Inquiry Into LifeInquiry Into Life, McGraw-Hill, McGraw-Hill

Life Cycle of Humans

Just as a;Cookbook

is made of Paper

& contains Recipes

made up of Words

Just as a;Cookbook

is made of Paper

& contains Recipes

made up of Words

…aChromosome

is made of DNA

& contains Genes

made up of Nucleotides

Humans may be made of millions Humans may be made of millions of different types of proteinsof different types of proteins

Functions of ProteinFunctions of Protein•StructuralStructural

•muscle, hair, nailsmuscle, hair, nails•PigmentPigment

•MelaninMelanin•CaroteneCarotene•hemoglobinhemoglobin

•ChemicalChemical•AntibodiesAntibodies•hormoneshormones•enzymesenzymes

Proteins are chains of amino acids, Proteins are chains of amino acids, usually a few hundred amino acids longusually a few hundred amino acids long

AA AA AA

What are proteins made of?What are proteins made of?

AA AA AA AA

AAAA AA AA

Protein structure is more than just a chain of amino acids

Based on: Mader, S. Inquiry Into Life, McGraw-Hill

Amino Acid Sequence of Hemoglobin

Sickle-cell hemoglobin

Box shows the one amino acid difference in normal versus sickle-cell hemoglobin

Normal hemoglobin

Just like a mutation

in the Gene

causes the wrong amino acid

to be used in creating the protein

Just like a mutation

in the Gene

causes the wrong amino acid

to be used in creating the protein

…a misspelling

in the recipe

causes the wrong ingredient

to be used in creating the

casserole

Based on: Harvard Family Health Guide, 1999

Red Blood Cells

DNA Control of Protein SynthesisDNA Control of Protein SynthesisDNA Control of Protein SynthesisDNA Control of Protein Synthesis

DNA uncoils and one strand is used to produce DNA uncoils and one strand is used to produce messenger RNA (mRNA) in nucleusmessenger RNA (mRNA) in nucleus

mRNA leaves the nucleus and goes mRNA leaves the nucleus and goes to the ribosomes with copy of blueprintto the ribosomes with copy of blueprint

at the ribosomes, amino acids are linked togetherat the ribosomes, amino acids are linked together as specified by the nucleotide sequence of the mRNAas specified by the nucleotide sequence of the mRNA

DNA uncoils and one strand is used to produce DNA uncoils and one strand is used to produce messenger RNA (mRNA) in nucleusmessenger RNA (mRNA) in nucleus

mRNA leaves the nucleus and goes mRNA leaves the nucleus and goes to the ribosomes with copy of blueprintto the ribosomes with copy of blueprint

at the ribosomes, amino acids are linked togetherat the ribosomes, amino acids are linked together as specified by the nucleotide sequence of the mRNAas specified by the nucleotide sequence of the mRNA

DNA as a Recipe DNA as a Recipe DNA as a Recipe DNA as a Recipe

Recipe Books are housed in the Library of the house Recipe Books are housed in the Library of the house and cannot be taken to the kitchen – the recipe and cannot be taken to the kitchen – the recipe

books have all the recipes for all the “dishes” that books have all the recipes for all the “dishes” that can be made in the bodycan be made in the body

Kitchen Workers make a copy of the recipe they wish Kitchen Workers make a copy of the recipe they wish to make and take the copy to the kitchento make and take the copy to the kitchen

Chefs assemble the “dish” out of ingredients like Chefs assemble the “dish” out of ingredients like eggs and milkeggs and milk

Recipe Books are housed in the Library of the house Recipe Books are housed in the Library of the house and cannot be taken to the kitchen – the recipe and cannot be taken to the kitchen – the recipe

books have all the recipes for all the “dishes” that books have all the recipes for all the “dishes” that can be made in the bodycan be made in the body

Kitchen Workers make a copy of the recipe they wish Kitchen Workers make a copy of the recipe they wish to make and take the copy to the kitchento make and take the copy to the kitchen

Chefs assemble the “dish” out of ingredients like Chefs assemble the “dish” out of ingredients like eggs and milkeggs and milk

Human Genome Project

•The project began in the late 1980s The project began in the late 1980s supported by 15 billion dollarssupported by 15 billion dollars

•Goal of the project was to sequence the Goal of the project was to sequence the roughly 3 billion chemical letters in DNAroughly 3 billion chemical letters in DNA that comprise the genetic code of humansthat comprise the genetic code of humans

•Many scientists said it could not be doneMany scientists said it could not be done

•Project was completed in 2000Project was completed in 2000- or was it?- or was it?

•The sequence of letters in DNA for the The sequence of letters in DNA for the human genome is known, but the human genome is known, but the gene-protein relationships are unknowngene-protein relationships are unknown

•It is like having the numbers in a phone It is like having the numbers in a phone book without the associated names book without the associated names

•We are learning the identity of new genes We are learning the identity of new genes each dayeach day

What We Don’t Know about DNAWhat We Don’t Know about DNA

Human Proteome Research

•Scientists will take decades to Scientists will take decades to figure out which proteins go with figure out which proteins go with which geneswhich genes

•All of today’s medicine will seem All of today’s medicine will seem medieval once proteomics studies medieval once proteomics studies begin to link proteins and genes begin to link proteins and genes because many human diseases are because many human diseases are genetically basedgenetically based

Tour of the BasicsTour of the Basics

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/tour/

Tour of the BasicsTour of the Basics

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/tour/

Gene TherapiesGene TherapiesGene TherapiesGene Therapies

About 4,000 human diseases are thought to About 4,000 human diseases are thought to be inheritedbe inherited

Scientists are making good progress Scientists are making good progress figuring out where genes are located on figuring out where genes are located on chromosomes and in understanding how the chromosomes and in understanding how the mutations in genes cause diseasemutations in genes cause disease

About 4,000 human diseases are thought to About 4,000 human diseases are thought to be inheritedbe inherited

Scientists are making good progress Scientists are making good progress figuring out where genes are located on figuring out where genes are located on chromosomes and in understanding how the chromosomes and in understanding how the mutations in genes cause diseasemutations in genes cause disease

Genetic map of chromosome 17

Based on: Mader, S., Inquiry Into Life, McGraw-Hill

Genetic TestingGenetic TestingGenetic TestingGenetic Testing

Now have DNA tests for 30 - 40 diseasesNow have DNA tests for 30 - 40 diseasesCystic fibrosis, some forms of breast Cystic fibrosis, some forms of breast

cancer, fragile X syndrome, Huntington cancer, fragile X syndrome, Huntington disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophydisease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Tests are up to 99% accurateTests are up to 99% accurate Tests can be run on embryos created by Tests can be run on embryos created by

in-vitro fertilization prior to implantationin-vitro fertilization prior to implantation

Now have DNA tests for 30 - 40 diseasesNow have DNA tests for 30 - 40 diseasesCystic fibrosis, some forms of breast Cystic fibrosis, some forms of breast

cancer, fragile X syndrome, Huntington cancer, fragile X syndrome, Huntington disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophydisease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Tests are up to 99% accurateTests are up to 99% accurate Tests can be run on embryos created by Tests can be run on embryos created by

in-vitro fertilization prior to implantationin-vitro fertilization prior to implantation

Future of Genetic TestingFuture of Genetic TestingFuture of Genetic TestingFuture of Genetic Testing

When will we have tests for 1000s of genetic diseases When will we have tests for 1000s of genetic diseases in human or what project must be completed for in human or what project must be completed for scientists to understand the DNA-protein scientists to understand the DNA-protein relationships that cause many human diseases?relationships that cause many human diseases?

When will we have tests for 1000s of genetic diseases When will we have tests for 1000s of genetic diseases in human or what project must be completed for in human or what project must be completed for scientists to understand the DNA-protein scientists to understand the DNA-protein relationships that cause many human diseases?relationships that cause many human diseases?

Issues about Genetic TestingIssues about Genetic TestingIssues about Genetic TestingIssues about Genetic Testing

What if the news is bad? Should the fetus be aborted What if the news is bad? Should the fetus be aborted or allowed to live with a “cruel” disease?or allowed to live with a “cruel” disease?

Should insurance coverage provide care for a child Should insurance coverage provide care for a child having a genetic disease that was diagnosed before having a genetic disease that was diagnosed before birth?birth?

Should blood relatives be warned?Should blood relatives be warned? Should our genetics be part of our records?Should our genetics be part of our records? Should employers be allowed to consider genetically Should employers be allowed to consider genetically

based diseases in hiring employees?based diseases in hiring employees? Will eugenics (manipulation of the hereditary qualities Will eugenics (manipulation of the hereditary qualities

of a race) be practiced?of a race) be practiced?

What if the news is bad? Should the fetus be aborted What if the news is bad? Should the fetus be aborted or allowed to live with a “cruel” disease?or allowed to live with a “cruel” disease?

Should insurance coverage provide care for a child Should insurance coverage provide care for a child having a genetic disease that was diagnosed before having a genetic disease that was diagnosed before birth?birth?

Should blood relatives be warned?Should blood relatives be warned? Should our genetics be part of our records?Should our genetics be part of our records? Should employers be allowed to consider genetically Should employers be allowed to consider genetically

based diseases in hiring employees?based diseases in hiring employees? Will eugenics (manipulation of the hereditary qualities Will eugenics (manipulation of the hereditary qualities

of a race) be practiced?of a race) be practiced?

Gene TherapyGene TherapyGene TherapyGene Therapy

Gene therapy is lagging behind genetic Gene therapy is lagging behind genetic testingtestingFor example, gene for cystic fibrosis was For example, gene for cystic fibrosis was

identified in 1989 identified in 1989 Scientists have been testing ways to insert copies Scientists have been testing ways to insert copies

of the normal gene into cells of the respiratory of the normal gene into cells of the respiratory tracttract

It is difficult to get the gene inserted into the It is difficult to get the gene inserted into the tissue so that it can take over control of tissue so that it can take over control of protein synthesisprotein synthesis

Gene therapy is lagging behind genetic Gene therapy is lagging behind genetic testingtestingFor example, gene for cystic fibrosis was For example, gene for cystic fibrosis was

identified in 1989 identified in 1989 Scientists have been testing ways to insert copies Scientists have been testing ways to insert copies

of the normal gene into cells of the respiratory of the normal gene into cells of the respiratory tracttract

It is difficult to get the gene inserted into the It is difficult to get the gene inserted into the tissue so that it can take over control of tissue so that it can take over control of protein synthesisprotein synthesis

Steps in Gene Therapy In Utero

Gene therapy trials are now underway around the Gene therapy trials are now underway around the world. When will the results be considered part of world. When will the results be considered part of world knowledge?world knowledge?

Number of approved gene-therapy trials as of 2004

www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3210/02.html

www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3210/02.html

RNAi TherapyRNAi TherapyRNAi TherapyRNAi Therapy

Transcribe and Translate a Gene

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/

content/begin/dna/transcribe/

Footpath Murders

Lunch Break

11:00-12:30

Make a Gel Electrophoresis!

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/

content/labs/gel/

Make another Gel Electrophoresis!

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sheppard/labwave.html 

NOS in the Footpath Murders?

DNA Fingerprinting Lab

http://www.dnai.org/d/index.html 

Where else do we observe NOS and content knowledge about DNA

portrayed to the general public?

How might knowing this help inform our teaching?

Mainstream Film, Television, Books

NOS Fingerprint for the Movie Contact

Teacher Talk

Mark Bloom

M.Bloom@TCU.edu

www.AndrewsInstitute.TCU.edu