PDFcast DNA

The Clark Family Story: Tracing the Cause of
Hemophilia

by Jeffrey T. Bradley
Ann Arbor Skyline High School
Health & Medicine Magnet
In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Jeffrey T. Bradley CDC Science Ambassador Program , Ann Arbor Skyline Health & Medicine Magnet, www.SkylineHealthMedicine.com



This lesson emphasizes the relationship between DNA sequences, mutations in DNA and the change in the resulting protein structure and function. Hemophilia A will be used as a real life example of how a mutation in DNA results in a change in a protein’s structure and resulting ability to function. In order to complete these activities, the students should have prior knowledge in DNA structure and mutations, protein synthesis, Mendelian genetics and sex-linked traits.


Learning Outcomes
• The student will be able to relate a DNA sequences to the resulting protein structure in the factor VIII gene.
• The student will be able to demonstrate the use of restriction enzymes in the identification of a specific DNA sequence and explain how this can be used to diagnosis someone has having the hemophilia factor VIII mutation.
• The student will be able to demonstrate how a protein’s structure and function can change with a change in the factor VIII DNA sequence (mutation).
• The student will be able to explain the genetics of hemophilia inheritance and affect on the blood clotting process.
• The student will be able to draw conclusions about the risk of passing on the mutated gene.