General Instructions

In this activity, you will describe the role nucleic acids play in DNA and RNA structures, the organization of chromosomes in eukaryotes, DNA replication, mechanisms of DNA repair, and recombinant DNA technology. To accomplish this, you will review all the study materials for Module 8.

Step 1: Select and Reflect

Select one of the key topics under DNA below and reflect on how they are applied in practical/clinical settings to either diagnose, treat, or understand pathological and healthy human states.

• Describe DNA cloning and restriction enzymes
• Hybridization
• Applications and DNA technology
• Ethical considerations of genetic engineering

Step 2: Respond

Using supporting data to back your arguments, prepare a 500-600 word written piece that discusses any one of the following: 

• The application of genetically-engineered organisms in agriculture and improving the nutritional value of the plant
• The application of gene therapy in medicine
• Explain the use of recombinant DNA technology in medicine and forensics
• Ethical considerations in experimental human genome editing

Step 3: Share 

To share your work, click on the “Add a new discussion topic” button under this post and paste your work into the “Message” box. Make sure to reference others’ intellectual property when necessary. All references should follow 7th Edition APA formatting. For further instructions, see the resource on the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library: APA citation resource (N.B.: references are excluded from word counts).

Step 4: Interact 

To complete the activity, evaluate and categorize the work from one of your peers based on items A - E of the rubric below. Provide a rationale for the grade you have provided, as well as comments or suggestions for improvement. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.” You can use the list below as an example:

Item A is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item B is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item C is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item D is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….
Item E is  .…. because….  My suggestions for improvement are….

OPTIONAL Step 5: Interact (10 minutes)

If you would like to, you can reply to your peers' posts in a respectful and professional manner. Ensure that your post engages your peers' ideas by including a reflection on their comments, sharing ideas of other potential difficulties and parties involved, or asking thought-provoking questions. If a peer comments on your posting, please reply. To post a reply, click “Reply” on a particular discussion, write your feedback and then click on “Post to forum.”