Download a copy of the Candy DNA Replication

Names ___________________________ + __________________________ + _______________________
Candy DNA Replication
Objectives:
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to demonstrate how the basic structure of DNA is important in the process of DNA replication.
to model how DNA is replicated in a cell
Materials:
red Twizzlers, black Twizzlers, marshmallows toothpicks, paperclips, Smarties, pasta, packing puffs, popcorn,
raisins, gumdrops, gummy bears, gummy worms, sticky notes labels, markers Other?
Prelab questions:
1. What is the end product of the DNA replication? ______________________________
2. Why is it important that DNA replicates? ______________________________________
3. Why is it necessary for DNA to replicate accurately in a cell in order for an organism to survive?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Procedure:
Clean all working surfaces and your hands before starting this activity. Your goal is to design a Powerpoint
project (or a movie if you know how) that depicts all of the steps of DNA replication. Take photographs of each
step and be sure they are easy to see on the Powerpoint. Include labels, arrows, captions, titles where necessary.
The following steps below should help you organize your project:
1. Assemble the 4 DNA nucleotides out of the materials available to you. Add labels for each of the 3 parts to
each nucleotide (your key). Add a labeled picture of them to your Powerpoint.
2. Make more nucleotides and assemble into a polynucleotide strand that has 6 nitrogen bases. Assemble a
complementary strand by matching the proper “bases” and attaching them together. Assign 5’ and 3’ ends to
your model and label them with the sticky notes. Add at least 1 labeled picture.
3. To demonstrate replication, first make 12 more nucleotides with the same nitrogen bases as the first two
strands. Then make the enzymes helicase, DNA polymerase, and ligase. Add a labeled photo of your enzymes.
4. Demonstrate the process of replication using the materials provided. Include at least 5 photos with the
following labels: template strand, new strand, helicase, DNA polymerase, ligase, leading strand, lagging strand,
Okazaki fragments. Include arrows to show the direction of replication for each new strand.