KRAS: Cancer mutation activity
- Type:
- Class activity
- Age level:
- 17-18 yrs (AS, A2), may also be suitable for able GCSE students
- Topic area:
- Cancer, cancer genes, genetic code
- Description:
A practical activity where students use real genomic data from the Cancer Genome Project at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute to find mutations in a gene associated with pancreatic cancer. Student mark the locations of the mutations on a gene sequence banner and record the results on worksheets. The activity is accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation that introduces the topic of cancer: defining what it is, how it develops and how understanding genomic research can help us better understand the disease. The activity offers scope for the students to discuss the possible causes of cancer and the potential for developing cancer therapies.
Running the activity:
-
- You need the following to run the activity:
- A computer and projector or interactive white board
- Student Worksheets (downloadable as PDF)
- KRAS banner and mutation markers (downloadable as PDF)
- Investigating cancer presentation (downloadable as PowerPoint)
Support Links:
- Download all documents for this activity
- A practical activity where students use real genomic data from the Cancer Genome Project at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute to find mutations in a gene associated with pancreatic cancer.
- Download individual documents for this activity
- A practical activity where students use real genomic data from the Cancer Genome Project at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute to find mutations in a gene associated with pancreatic cancer.
Investigating cancer (KRAS) presentation
Investigating cancer presentation notes
KRAS student worksheet (for B&W printers or students who are colour blind)
Credits:
Concept and content: Gillian Dalgliesh, Francesca Gale, Andy Harrison, Phil Stephens, Mike Stratton, Bronwyn Terrill
Graphics and animation: Preeti Deshpande
Curriculum links:
This activity supports the following modules on the UK curriculum.
Click on the arrows below for further detail of the module.
Web links:
Additional sources of information on the web for teachers and students to increase their knowledge base on DNA, gene s and genomes.
