Download genetics science learning center – internet lesson

Name______________________________
GENETICS SCIENCE LEARNING CENTER – INTERNET LESSON
Site Location: http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/
Familiarize yourself with the homepage of this site.
Click on the link that says “Tour the basics”. A new window will open, you can navigate sections by
using the top toolbar.
WHAT IS DNA?
1. What does DNA stand for?
2. Why is DNA called a blueprint?
3. The “twisted ladder” shape of the DNA molecule is called a _____________________
4. Name the four bases found in the DNA molecule.
5. A DNA strand is made of _______________which make up ____________________ which make
up sentences.
What is a GENE?
Hint: look at the navigation bar at the top, you’ll need to click on “What is a Gene” to continue.
6. What is a gene?
7. What happens if a gene is mutated?
What is a CHROMOSOME?
8. If our cells were as large as an aspirin, how long would the DNA be?
9. How many chromosomes does a mosquito have? _________ an onion?____________
a carp? _____________
What is HEREDITY?
10. Why aren’t children identical to their parents?
What is a PROTEIN?
11. How is protein like a car engine?
12. What do “structural proteins” do?
13. Where do proteins come from?
14. Genes are read from the DNA and produce a molecular message in the form of
_____________
15. Once in the cytoplasm, the _____________ reads the message.
16. What happens once the protein is made?
Close the window and click on “DNA to Protein”
“Build a DNA Molecule”
17. Build a DNA molecule. What is the base pair rule?
18. Draw the DNA molecule you built. Show how the bases are lined up and how they are attached.