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Relating to and reflecting on the Escape the Cell process

Each vignette below offers an opening for conversation, student reflection, or learning connections to be made based on having done the Escape the Cell activity (see the Show level).

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Full On the Ethics of Genetics

On the Ethics of Genetics

Full On the Ethics of Genetics

It is essential that we also emphasize that genetics, ancestry, and forensic research have a complex past that includes attempts to use genetic technology to perpetuate racism, challenge the histories of Native American communities, and disregard human ethics in obtaining or analyzing individuals’ DNA. We recommend listening to this podcast episode highlighting the personal journey for one Navajo student studying genetics (The Experiment Podcast, What Does it Mean to Give Away our DNA?).

Full On the Ethics of Genetics
Full On Making Mistakes (and Mutations!)

On Making Mistakes (and Mutations!)

Full On Making Mistakes (and Mutations!)

Escape the Cell is a great way to introduce conversations about making mistakes, it’s just that in this game, as in a cell, these are called mutations. Each “mistake” is a learning opportunity.

Full On Making Mistakes (and Mutations!)
Full On the Central Dogma in action

On the Central Dogma in action

Full On the Central Dogma in action

Going from DNA → mRNA → protein is sometimes referred to as the Central Dogma of biology. This term was first used by Francis Crick over 60 years ago to describe the one-directional process wherein the foundational DNA/RNA codes can be copied repeatedly, but a protein made from this code cannot be copied back into DNA or RNA. 

The Escape the Cell puzzles (in the Show level) can be a great way to demonstrate the one-directional nature of this process…

Full On the Central Dogma in action

Created by

Disan Davis Disan Davis avatar

Disan is a scientist and educator striving to share her curiosity and love of science with others
Research Associate for the STEM PUSH Network
University of Pittsburgh
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