One of the current trending terms in molecular biology is ?gene circuit? which refers to the genetic control of
intricate enzymatic pathways that are responsible for biochemical processes in the body. The more we learn
about the molecular genetics and physiology of these pathways, the more difficult it is for students to conceive
of all the interactions. To make these complex concepts more understandable, I have created an exercise using
electrical circuits as analogs. Since electrical circuits can be just as complicated to understand as genetic
pathways, I use Snap Circuits (Elenco? #SC100 or SC300), a child?s educational toy kit designed to teach
electronics.. Through use of Snap Circuits, students model pathways being studied in class and build their own
gene circuits for a chosen biochemical process. An example will be presented which applies the concepts to the
classic Drosophila eye pigments laboratory exercise. Participants will construct their own basic pathways and
discuss options for use in courses such as Genetics, Biochemistry, and Cell Biology.
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