Download DNA Basics DNA Basics Hc 2015

DNA Basics
1. Access the website: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/
2. Under “THE BASICS,” click on the appropriate section.
I.
WHAT IS DNA?
1.
DNA stands for ….
2. The DNA molecule is composed of a ladder. The rungs of the ladder are made of
_________________________________, and the backbone of the ladder is made of
________________________________.
3. The four letters in the DNA code are ____, _____, _____, and ______. These letters stand for
the words _________________________, _____________________________,
______________________, and _____________________________.
4. In the analogy showing DNA as a strand of letters, the letters compose ________________
(amino acids, each 3 letters long), which make up ________________________. The purposes
of these instructions are to make up the molecules called _______________________.
II.
WHAT IS A GENE?
5. Explain what genes are for.
III. WHAT IS A PROTEIN?
6.
What do proteins do?
7. How do cells make proteins?
Navigate back to HOME, click on MOLECULES OF INHERITANCE, and then scroll down to
BUILD A DNA MOLECULE. Follow directions to build a portion of DNA. Do not continue for
more than a couple of minutes!
8. The shape of DNA is called a _____________ _____________________.
9. The base G pairs with ___ and the base A pairs with _____.
10. How quickly is DNA copied?
11. What holds the base pairs in DNA together?
Go back to HOME, then navigate to TRANSCRIBE AND TRANSLATE A GENE, which is under the
CENTRAL DOGMA (be sure to read the box on the right side of the screen for many answers).
12. How many genes does a human have?
13. Define:
a. Transcription:
b. Translation:
c. mRNA:
14. Which base (letter) does mRNA have instead of T?
15. Where in the cell does the mRNA go after it is made?
16. Where in the cell does translation occur?
17. Which amino acid sequence means “START”?
18. What are the three “STOP” codons? __________ _____________ ___________
19. Hit “Click Here to Begin” to start transcribing and translating the gene.
a. Type in which letter would match the DNA code shown when DNA is rewritten as mRNA
(A, C, G, or U).
b. Find the START code and click on it.
c. Click and drag the correct amino acid from the chart to the RNA strand. Write the
names of the amino acids you create:
i. Methionine
iv. ____________________
ii. _________________
v. _____________________
iii. _________________
Click on the STOP code.
20. How many possible ways can amino acids be combined to make proteins?
21. Summarize the process of creating proteins, beginning with the DNA in the nucleus.
22. Choose two other areas to explore. On a separate piece of paper, describe which areas you
explored, and what you learned.
From HOME again, navigate to Virtual Labs. Choose the DNA EXTRACTION.
26. Why might researchers or doctors want to extract DNA?
27. Where is a common place to harvest human DNA?
28. What are the four main steps of DNA extraction?
a.
b.
c.
d.
29. For each liquid that is added to the DNA, explain the purpose of that particular liquid.
a. Detergent and proteinase K
b. Salt solution
c. Isopropyl alcohol