DNA sequencing: Ordering the stages

The complexity and scale of genome sequencing

Lesson idea. Students discuss the stages of DNA sequencing in the lab. This lesson covers A2 - AS Biology; the principles of Sanger DNA sequencing and how recombinant DNA techniques are used to clone DNA sections.

Teaching approach. Students match diagrams of the stages of DNA sequencing with a list of text descriptions of the process. The lesson can involve students discussing in pairs / group work^(ta), followed by a teacher or student-led plenary. Students would share ideas, come to a consensus and check the ‘whole class^(ta) response’ with their version. The teacher's questioning^(ta) can focus on scientific method^(ta) and use of scientific language^(ta). The lesson idea provides opportunities for the effective use of assessment^(ta).

Resource details
Title	How DNA is sequenced: the stages
Topic	[[Topics/Genetics|Genetics]]
Teaching approach	[[Teaching Approaches/Assessment|Assessment]],  [[Teaching Approaches/Questioning|Questioning]],  [[Teaching Approaches/Whole class|Whole class]],  [[Teaching Approaches/Language|Language]],  [[Teaching Approaches/Group work|Group work]],  [[Teaching Approaches/Scientific method|Scientific method]]
Learning Objectives	Interpreting information on the use of recombinant DNA technology. Understanding that once located, the base sequence of a gene can be determined by restriction mapping and DNA sequencing. Understand the principles and stages of genome sequencing and the order of nucleotides and genetic code.
Format / structure	A 6th Form activity worksheet covering A2 biology with an answer sheet. The answer sheet can be used as a stand-alone student activity or with the activity: Human Genome Project: From Sequencing to Sharing Genomic Information.
Subject	[[Resources/Secondary|Secondary]],  [[Resources/Science|Science]]
Age of students / grade	[[Resources/KS5|KS5]],  [[Resources/AS|AS]],  [[Resources/A2|A2]],  [[Resources/Secondary|Secondary]]
Additional Resources/material needed	Student worksheets include relevant colour details and need to be printed. Instead of using printed worksheets, students may use a computer screen.
Useful information	Numerous short videos with interviews of scientists who have made contributions to genome research: http://www.yourgenome.org/people/index.shtml. A background information sheet for students detailing DNA sequencing for the Human Genome Project: http://www.yourgenome.org/downloads/pdf/teachers/info/HGP_infosheet.pdf
Related ORBIT Wiki Resources	Human Genome Project: From Sequencing to Sharing Genomic Information
Files and resources to view and download	Teaching notes here. Teacher's Page with Flash animation: http://www.yourgenome.org/teachers/hgp.shtml. Student's pages to print Activity sheet:DNA_to_data_worksheet.