Download Understanding DNA / Chromatin / Chromosomes

Understanding DNA / Chromatin / Chromosomes
An introductory preparatory assignment for the AP Biology DNA Unit.
Directions: Utilize your AP Biology DNA note packet to complete the following steps. You will be writing your
answers/drawings into the “Understanding DNA/Chromatin/Chromosomes work packet.
Refer to the Honors Biology:
“Molecular Genetics Part I” note packet found on our website to complete this assignment.
Step 1) Complete the first diagram (empty box at the top of page 1) by drawing the process of DNA replication
(specifically, use page 4 of the honors notes packet).
Step 2) Know all terminology in the previous diagram and in reference to the structure of a chromosome (label the
picture located at the middle left of page 1).
Step 3) Draw and be able to explain the “Summary of the Chromosomal Events in Cell Division” (located at the bottom
of page 1). You only need to follow one strand of chromatin through the process.
Step 4) List the differences and similarities between 2 homologs of any one pair of homologous chromosomes in a
diploid cell (found in the top left picture on page 2). Refer to page 6 of the honors note packet. Write your list
into your packet.
Step 5) List the differences and similarities between 2 different strands of chromatin in a haploid cell
(found in the top right picture on page 2), i.e. #3 and #17. Write your list into your packet.
Step 6) What do the terms diploid and haploid mean? What do the symbols n or 2n mean? Make sure you know this in
class. You do not need to write anything into your packet unless you want to.
For the next two questions, here is a reminder of how to draw DNA structures within a nucleus:
Focus on the number of chromosomes or chromatin, the form of the chromosome (double arm or single arm) and
the position of those structures in the cell. Label the number of each chromosome (1 to n) and label the
chromosomes maternal (M) or paternal (P).
ON A SEPARATE PAGEStep 7) Draw a non-dividing cell with a diploid # of 2n = 6 (You are only required to draw the nucleus, no additional
structures or organelles are necessary.)
Step 8) Draw a dividing cell with a diploid # of 2n = 4 (You are only required to draw the nucleus, no additional
structures or organelles are necessary.) Assume the cell is in prophase.