Elephants and Cancer

Icons of different organisms

Overview

Elephants are the largest land mammals, with huge bodies that are made up of exponentially more cells than smaller organisms – cells that could mutate over their long lifespan. And yet, elephants rarely get cancer. This is thought to be due in part to their extra TP53 tumor suppressor genes, which code for the p53 protein. Through a comparison of elephants, humans, and four other organisms, students learn why elephants’ genetic makeup makes them less susceptible to cancer. Includes a gel electrophoresis lab.

Funding Source:

Dean Witter Foundation

Details:

Intro Biology, Advanced Biology, AP Biology
4 Lessons
Remote or In Classroom

Kits needed to teach unit:

MiniOne Gel Electrophoresis Kit
Elephants & Cancer Accessory Kit

Step 1: Complete Short Survey

Complete the short survey to support our grant-funded lessons.
Step 1: Complete Short Survey

Step 2: Download Unit Overview Materials

Unit Preface
Unit Overview
Letter to Families
Learning Standards Connection Table

Step 3: Download Lessons

Cancer Avoidance Adaptations in Animals

Work in groups to investigate cancer risk and cancer avoidance adaptations in one of four animals: tortoise, manatee, dog, and naked mole rat.

Finding a Cancer Prevention Gene

Carry out an investigation using gel electrophoresis and bioinformatics to determine the presence/absence and relative quantity of TP53 in multiple animals.

Modeling p53

Use information regarding the structure and function of the p53 protein to build a 3D model, and specifically demonstrate p53’s DNA binding ability. Navigate the NCBI website to obtain an amino acid map of the four active domains of the p53 protein.

Summative Assessment: Humans & Cancer

Apply the knowledge and skills learned and practiced during the activities in the previous lessons to a similar-but-different phenomenon: cancer rates in humans.

SEP Teachers-Only Quick Links

These links are for SEP teachers who are part of the kit loan program. To become a part of the kit loan program you must complete the 3 week professional development program.

MiniOne Gel Kit Request Form
Horizon Gel Kit Request Form
Gel Supplies-Only Request Form
Elephants & Cancer Kit Request Form