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Peer Review

Significance of DNA Sequence

Reviewed:
Aug 9, 2007 by Biology
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 5.0 stars
Content Quality: 5.0 stars
Effectiveness: 5.0 stars
Ease of Use: 5.0 stars
Overview:

A Gene is a Discrete Sequence” is an interactive, animated tutorial that describes how researchers devised a procedure to sequence a section of DNA—the chain termination method. The thought process used to fit each clue into the solution is detailed in a step-by-step description with animations. The user is presented with a broad approach to learning about that concept; the tutorial has seven parts. First is a brief outline of the questions that lead to the concept followed by a statement of the concept. Second, there is a part labeled “animation” which is actually an animated tutorial with details of the experimental work and critical thinking that led to an understanding of the concept. There is also a picture gallery with images of historic photographs of researchers, labs, and laboratory equipment set-ups involved in the experiments described. There is a fourth part labeled “Audio/Video” that presents Real Player interviews with researchers who discuss the concept in more detail. This part also contains an audio glossary of key terms used in the tutorial. The fifth part presents biographies of the key researchers explained in the tutorial. Next is a problem to be solved using key points from the concept. The problem is usually a series of interactive, multiple-choice questions that require simple problem solving skills. The problem in this tutorial details how changes in the genetic code of the DNA (mutations) will impact the translation of that code. The final part contains external links to sites that provide more information on the concept; there is also a short bibliography.

Type of Material:

Tutorial and Animation / Interactive Lesson

Recommended Uses:

This tutorial can be used for several purposes. It would be a good out of class activity to either supplement or enrich regular class materials. It could also be part of an online learning course or for independent study to learn about molecular genetics.

Technical Requirements:
<p>Basic site requires current internet browser with flash player and QuickTime plugins.</p>
Identify Major Learning Goals:

Understanding of the key concepts and experiments used to understand classical genetics, molecular genetics, and gene organization and control.

Target Student Population:

Advanced high school as well as undergraduate and graduate students.

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

The site is designed to be accessible to a wide range of users. Some basic knowledge of biological and physical concepts is needed to fully understand materials. Use of web browser with Flash and QuickTime will be required.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:

  • Very clear and accurate description of the experiments by Sanger that lead to a reliable method for sequencing DNA molecules.
  • Content follows logical progression both conceptually and temporally.
  • Emphasizes scientific approach to understanding through clear explanations of how the evidence was used to determine the sequence of DNA molecules—how we know, not just what we know.
  • The interactive problem in this unit presents a very clear and concise description of how the chain termination method of DNA sequencing works.
  • Rich source of information on personalities, history, and current thought on these concepts.
Concerns:

  • The parts of the overall site could be better labeled to make it easier for users to determine what each section is about.
  • Some researchers mentioned in the tutorial do not have biographies.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:

  • Promotes understanding of basic concepts. Entire site built around a conceptual approach.
  • Tutorial titles state concepts and serve as the learning objective for that tutorial.
  • Problem provided each tutorial reinforces understanding.
  • Biography, audio/video clips, and photo gallery provide a historical and personal background usually missing from educational materials. Help students understand the human side of science.
Concerns:

  • None

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:

  • Site design is exceptional. Easy navigation and rapid response times.
  • Audio glossary gives detailed explanation of term as well as pronunciation.
  • Organization of tutorial leads the user through the concept.
Concerns:

  • None
Other Issues and Comments:

The animations represent an excellent collection of scientific reasoning and logic, and focus on "how we know"; not just "what we know." The animations frequently begin with a famous scientist posing a problem to be solved. This approach may make more of a connection between the results of a classical experiment and the mind behind the reasoning. The constant flow of scientific reasoning from unit to unit provides a clear and impressive thread of logic showing how scientists realized that DNA is the genetic material. It might help to add more video interviews from other scientists, especially where there is only one person featured in the video clips. Perhaps modern scientists could substitute for those who cannot be interviewed. A few female and minority scientists would be a plus for this part of the site. These interviews are valuable tools for learning and understanding the methods of science. The authors might consider adding sound and expand upon the interactivity of some of the Flash Player animations.

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