DNA Decoded

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/dna-decoded

Introduction

### Course Review: DNA Decoded on Coursera The course titled **"DNA Decoded,"** hosted on Coursera and led by Felici, offers an intriguing exploration into the world of DNA, making it the perfect gateway for anyone with a curiosity about genetics and its implications in our lives. This review aims to encapsulate not only the course content but also its delivery and applications, ultimately guiding you towards a decision on whether to enroll. **Overview of the Course** The course's introductory message proclaims, “Are you a living creature? Then, congratulations! You’ve got DNA,” which sets a light-hearted yet insightful tone for what is to follow. DNA Decoded seeks to unearth the mysteries behind DNA—what it is, its role in our lives, and its significant potential in various scientific fields. The course tackles fascinating questions such as: - Why is DNA referred to as the "blueprint of life"? - What constitutes a "DNA fingerprint"? - What techniques do scientists utilize to clone DNA? - How can DNA disclose details about your family history? - Are Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) truly safe? - Could we someday resurrect dinosaurs through cloning? These provocative questions promise to lead participants through an engaging learning experience. **Course Syllabus Breakdown** 1. **Cracking the Genetic Code**: The course kicks off by delving into the molecular structure of DNA. Participants learn about its composition, the significant contributions of scientists like James Watson and Francis Crick, and the role of histones, nucleosomes, and chromosomes in DNA organization. This foundation is pivotal for any understanding of genetics. 2. **Getting the Message Across: Transcription, Translation, and Replication**: This module explains the central dogma of molecular biology, where DNA is organically transformed into RNA, which then synthesizes proteins. The discussion of forensic techniques, such as polymerase chain reactions and gel electrophoresis for DNA fingerprinting, adds an exciting real-world application to the genetic theory. 3. **Manipulating DNA**: The third module is particularly engaging as it dives into genetic engineering. Here, the learning shifts toward applications of genetic manipulations, such as increasing crop yields and manufacturing life-saving medications. The course discusses the controversies surrounding GMOs, providing a balanced view essential for educated discussions on biotechnology. 4. **DNA and Me**: The final module personalizes the learning experience, exploring the uniqueness of individual DNA. The Human Genome Project and advancements in genetic research are discussed, alongside the impact of pharmacogenomics on personalized medicine. Final thoughts on the potential to bring extinct species back to life through ancient DNA encapsulate the course's balance of excitement and science. **Learning Experience** Throughout the course, Felici offers clear, engaging explanations coupled with high-quality visuals that educate and stimulate the learner's mind. The modules are well-structured and offer quizzes that reinforce the material, while a community forum allows learners to discuss their thoughts and questions. The course is self-paced, giving you the flexibility to learn on your own time, which is a significant advantage for those who lead busy lives. **Recommendation** I wholeheartedly recommend **DNA Decoded** to anyone curious about genetics, whether you're a student, a professional seeking to broaden your knowledge, or simply a lifelong learner. The course equips you with foundational knowledge, practical applications, and thought-provoking considerations surrounding DNA—essential in understanding modern biology. This journey through a microscopic world not only clarifies complex concepts but also underscores the importance of DNA in everyday life, ethical considerations, and even our historical understanding. Take the plunge into the fascinating universe of DNA with **DNA Decoded**—your understanding of life itself may never be the same again!

Syllabus

Cracking the Genetic Code

In this module, we'll explore the molecular structure of DNA. What is DNA? What are the basic building blocks of DNA? Where can you find DNA within a cell? We'll learn about how James Watson and Francis Crick were able to solve the riddle of the molecular structure of DNA by building on the work of other scientists. Their groundbreaking discovery revealed that four nucleobases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) combine with sugar and phosphate molecules to form the familiar double helix of DNA. We'll take a look at how the molecular structure of DNA regulates its functions; for example, how the chemical bonds (covalent and noncovalent) between these molecules allow DNA to "unzip" during replication. Then we'll take a look at how you manage to fit over three billion base pairs into each of your cells. (Here's a hint: Histones, nucleosomes, and chromosomes would be great at packing for a trip!)

We've all heard DNA described as "the blueprint of life," but what does that actually mean? Each one of the approximately 20,000 genes in our bodies contains the instructions for building a protein. In this module, we'll explain how RNA copies the genetic information contained in our genes and uses this information to assemble amino acids into proteins. Scientists call this concept "Central Dogma": DNA makes RNA and RNA makes protein. We'll also explore how we transmit genetic information from one cell to another -- and what happens when things go wrong. Along the way, we'll learn about techniques (such as polymerase chain reactions and gel electrophoresis) that forensic scientists use in DNA fingerprinting. Join us this week for murder and mayhem in the lab!

In this module, we'll explore the techniques scientists use to manipulate DNA. Genetic engineering has allowed us to increase crop yields, diagnose illnesses, develop vaccines, and manufacture insulin. By carefully selecting a pair of molecular scissors (restriction enzymes), scientists are able to isolate a gene of interest and insert it into plasmid DNA, turning a common bacteria (E. coli) into a molecular copying machine. This week, we'll learn that mutations are genetic errors, but that not all mutations are necessarily bad — in fact, some mutations confer a selective advantage that protects against disease. We'll explain what genetically modified organisms are (and what they are not) and weigh in on the heated debates about the ethics and safety of GMOs in popular media.

What does your DNA say about you? You may have heard that you share 99% of your genetic material with everyone else on the planet. That's true, but this week we're going to take a look at the less than 1% that makes you unique. We'll kick off by discussing the Human Genome Project, the massive scientific collaboration that mapped out the sequence of all our genetic material. The technologies developed while mapping out the human genome ushered in a new age in DNA research. Now, genome-wide association studies can analyze massive amounts of data, searching for genetic variations that are associated with particular diseases. Pharmacogenomics may help determine which drugs are likely be most effective for you. Genetic genealogy tests (such as Ancestry DNA, 23 and Me, and Family Tree DNA) will allow you to trace random mutations in your DNA that can provide clues to your ethnic heritage. As an added bonus, we'll discuss whether it would be possible to revive extinct species by studying ancient DNA.