Download AP03–DNA is Everywhere - Science from Scientists

Classroom Teacher Preparation
Anatomy/Physiology 3: DNA is Everywhere
Please use the following to prepare for the next SfS lesson.
Description:
This lesson begins with an introduction to the location and structure of DNA and provides an overview of DNA's role as
the blueprints of life and is followed by an exciting hands-on activity designed to extract DNA from strawberries (or other
plant matter).
Lesson Objectives – SWBAT (“Students Will Be Able To…”):
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Recognize that DNA is located in the nucleus of plant and animal cells.
Understand that a complete copy of DNA, arranged in chromosomes, is found in (nearly) every cell of the
organism.
Perform an experiment to extract the DNA from the nuclei of plant cells and understand the significance of steps
such as detergents (to break down the fats from the membranes of the cell) and alcohol to precipitate the DNA
are necessary.
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Understand that the base pairs in DNA make up an alphabet that tells the cell how to make proteins.
Describe the basic double helical structure of DNA and understand that it is made up of three subunits (a sugar, a
phosphate, a nitrogenous base).
Preparation:
Students should be familiar with the structure and function of cells. Please introduce the vocabulary words listed below.
Vocabulary:
Introduce these terms:
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Cells – the fundamental building blocks of life; some life such as algae and bacteria are unicellular, and others are
multicellular like humans and trees; multicellular life contains many differentiated cells with specialized functions,
but all cells making up an organism contain the same DNA
Cell membrane – the outer layer of a cell, primarily composed of fat-like substances that protect its contents from
the outside world
Nucleus – an inner compartment of eukaryotic cells that provides added protection for the cell’s DNA
Extract/extraction – the removal of something by a special method
These terms will be defined in lesson:
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DNA – deoxyribonucleic acid; a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main
constituent of chromosomes; it is the carrier of genetic information.
Helix – an object having a three-dimensional shape like that of a spiral staircase; DNA has this shape
Chromosome – a threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells,
carrying genetic information in the form of genes
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Base pairs – a pair of complementary nitrogenous bases in a double-stranded DNA molecule; cytosine always
pairs with guanine, and adenine with thymine
Gene – a distinct sequence of DNA forming part of a chromosome
Histones – organizer proteins found in chromosomes that help keep DNA organized
Room Set Up for Activities:
Students will be working individually or in small groups at desks or tables. A clear workspace will be necessary, as
students will be working with chemicals.
Safety:
The isopropyl alcohol used in this lesson should not be inhaled or consumed. Goggles and adequate ventilation are
recommended.
Related Modules:
This lesson may be taught as part of a sequence or group of related modules on Cells, Heredity/Evolution, or
Forensics. Other modules in these sequences include:
Anatomy/Physiology 1: Cell City – This module introduces the parts of a cell using an analogy to parts of a city.
Anatomy/Physiology 2: Mitosis - This module teaches the basics of mitosis using plant root tips. Students learn to identify
cells in the different stages of mitosis, as well as how to use a compound light microscope and (for classes with ample
time) prepare a wet-mount slide.
Anatomy/Physiology 6: Blood Composition - This is an introductory lesson detailing the components of blood and
highlighting the process and importance of blood typing. The lesson starts with an introduction to the cells and fluids
making up our blood, followed by a simulated blood typing activity.
For other module sequences and groups, look here: www.sciencefromscientists.org/sequences
Standards Covered:
Please click the following link to our website to review the standards covered by this lesson, listed by state:
http://www.sciencefromscientists.org/standards/
Lessons are matched to both national NGSS and local state standards.
Classroom Post and Activities:
A link to the Follow Up Student activity can be found in the Classroom Post on our website at
sciencefromscientists.org/cohorts. Use the name of your school/cohort and password to log in. Students can construct
edible DNA using gummies, licorice, and other candies.
Additional Resources:
WGBH Videos and Activities: The PBS educational site is a great, free resource for educators but you must create an
account to use the materials. The first time you log in to the PBS Learning Media website you will be asked to create an
account and provide an email and password. Once you have logged in, select “keep me logged in” to avoid having to
repeat the process.
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DNA Extraction Interactive http://mass.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/biot09.biotech.tools.extraction/dnaextraction/
Journey into DNA Interactive http://mass.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/tdc02.sci.life.gen.journeydna/journeyinto-dna/
Science from Scientists
617-314-7773 • [email protected] • sciencefromscientists.org
Copyright © 2014 Science from Scientists
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Other Resources:
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DNA Building game: http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/medicine/dna_double_helix/dnahelix.html
DNA video tour: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/molecules/dna/
What is a gene tour: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/molecules/gene/
What is DNA and How Does it Work? Video (5:24): http://youtube.com/watch?v=zwibgNGe4aY
What is a Gene? Video (4:57): http://youtube.com/watch?v=5MQdXjRPHmQ
The Human Genome Project Website: http://genome.gov/26524120
Science from Scientists
617-314-7773 • [email protected] • sciencefromscientists.org
Copyright © 2014 Science from Scientists
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