유전 현상의 분자적 이해를 위한 탐구실험프로그램의 개발 및 적용

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effects of an inquiry-based experimental program utilizing bacteria to facilitate a molecular understanding of genetic phenomena by directly investigating the relationships among genes, proteins, and phenotypes. The bacterial inquiry program was designed to enable participants to confirm, through molecular biology experiments, the existence of proteins synthesized due to specific genes and the resulting phenotypic traits. This was achieved by inducing bacterial transformation and examining the differences in genes, proteins, and phenotypes between wild-type and transformed bacteria. The program sought to enhance students’ molecular understanding of genetic phenomena, focusing on proteins and allowing them to verify the central dogma of genetics through direct experimentation. The nine-week bacterial inquiry program was implemented with nine scientifically gifted students, and pre- and post-tests were conducted to assess changes in their understanding of genetic and molecular biology concepts. The results showed a significant improvement in the students’ understanding of genetic concepts following the program’s implementation, particularly regarding the concept of “protein” within molecular biology. However, the study identified a limitation in fully capturing the program’s impact, as the participants already demonstrated a high level of understanding of basic genetic concepts such as “DNA as the storage of genetic information” as well as foundational molecular biology concepts such as “genes,” “DNA,” and “chromosomes.” Based on these findings, the bacterial inquiry program developed in this study is deemed effective in enhancing the understanding of genetic and molecular biology concepts among scientifically gifted students. The study suggests that further development and application of teaching-learning programs focusing on molecular genetics, such as the bacterial inquiry program presented here, are necessary to facilitate a balanced understanding of modern genetics.