Download DNA Paper Model Activity Try to attach and mode the Gene Reading

DNA Paper Model Activity
1. Try to attach and mode the Gene Reading Machinery cut-out to any length of the inaccessible
DNA ribbon that is not spooled around a histone or covered by a methyl. Can the machinery
read any significant stretch of DNA?
No, it cannot.
2. Refer to question 1, would this be an active or inactive gene? Explain.
It’s inactive, because the methyl groups make the DNA inaccessible.
3. Try to attach and move the Gene Reading Machinery cut-out to any length of the accessible
DNA ribbon that is not spooled around a histone or covered by a methyl. Can the machinery
read any significant stretch of DNA?
Yes, it can.
4. Refer to question 3, would this be an active or inactive gene? Explain.
It’s active, because the acetyl groups open up the DNA, making it accessible.
5. What do you think the methyl groups do to DNA?
They bind to DNA, making it inactive.
6. What do you think the acetyl molecules do the DNA?
They bind to the histone molecules, loosening their grip, making DNA accessible.
7. What is the physical state of the genome (tightly wrapped or relaxed) when genes are inactive?
DNA is tightly wrapped around the histone molecules.
8. What is the physical state of the genome when genes are active?
DNA is relaxed around the histone molecules.
9. Can your diet or other environmental factors affect gene expression? Provide an example.
Refer to video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WEHoCA1hpo
10. Can the diets of parents affect their offspring?
Refer to video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WEHoCA1hpo