An inquiry-based exploration where students discover the nature of the mutation in a yeast strain by designing and carrying out their own experiments.

(1) The concept of diffusion. (2) The general structure of DNA (a ladder-like structure with each rung composed of a pair of nucleic acids). (3) The mechanics of DNA replication, cell division and mutation.

Class Time: Portion of class periods over approximately two weeks
Prep Time: Two hours to order materials, prepare nucleic acid disks, streak yeast plates, and set up student materials; and additional two hours if pouring your own plates of media.

Mystery Yeast Mutation Print-and-Go

Illustrated teaching instructions review the process of transcription and translation in detail.
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Colorful instructions show students how DNA is the blueprint for protein production in living organisms.
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Funding provided by a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Precollege Science Education Initiative for Biomedical Research Institutions Award (Grant 51000125)