This animation shows how bacteria exchange genes on small pieces of DNA called plasmids through a process called horizontal gene transfer. 

Bacteria are able to exchange genes quickly within a population on small circles of DNA called plasmids. This animation shows how bacteria exchange plasmids through a...

From the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, this resource introduces the Human Genome Project (HGP).

A short animation gives:

* an introduction to DNA and genomes;

* an overview of which countries were involved in the international Human Genome Project;

* a description of the processes,...

Produced by the Wellcome Trust, these resources include an interactive evolutionary tree and a video of the Tree of Life. These materials will help students to find out more about the work of Charles Darwin and evolution. The resources contain:

Tree of life video: The video is a short...

Get your pupils discussing the work of Nobel prize winner for physiology or medicine 2022, Svante Paabo, by looking at evolution and DNA sequencing with these resources.

• Evolution - For primary aged pupils looks at how organisms adapt to their environment and think about adaptations for humans that...

Published by the Nuffield Foundation this Revised Nuffield Advanced Biology Practical Guide is linked to the first six chapters of Study Guide II. Technical information and notes for teachers about the practical activities is given in ...

This poster illustrates how biotechnology is used to develop new medicines, grow new tissues and organs, and genetic testing.

This resource looks at the development of genetic modification, genome editing and CRISPR, and where these technologies might lead. 

New genetic engineering technologies offer exciting opportunities to speed up the traditional plant breeding process and generate high-yielding, disease-resistant, climate...

Written in 1996, and published by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), this book looks at issues surrounding the use of genetic modification in agriculture.

The chapters in the book...

This colourful leaflet from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) looks at how environmental factors have affected human evolution. It includes a timeline and map showing how and where humans have developed and changed over millions of years.

Humans are a truly global species. We have colonised...

This issue of Catalyst includes the following articles:

Fruit Flies and Alzheimer's Disease

This article looks at some basic aspects of genetics and how fruit flies are being used in novel ways to study genetic diseases....

Produced by the Learning Skills Improvement Service (LSIS), this case study tackles the themes of harnessing technology and continued professional development. This project was set up to develop effective ways of collecting and reviewing student evaluation in Hillcroft College, a London Further Education college....

Four big issues:

• The case for human space flight
• Who owns space?
• Should we really put anything into space?

Genetic selection for screening astronauts and the implications

This booklet contains a range of suggested teaching activities and contexts for teaching about genomes at A level. Curriculum links include genetic sequencing, DNA profiling, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), electrophoresis

This poster illustrates the stages of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the uses of this in cancer research, tissue matching, forensic medicine, infection detection and genetic testing.