Download Building a DNA molecule

Building a DNA molecule: Class Project
This is a lab grade.
40 points for strictly adhering to the model specifications
50 points for accuracy, correctness
10 points for overall class effort
= 100 lab pts
Objective:
You and a partner will build a piece of a DNA molecule, which will code for the
human protein, insulin.
Insulin, like many proteins, is made up of two long chains of amino acids. Each
protein chain is coded by genes located on the DNA helix in the nuclei of your
cells.
Each pair of students in the class will be assigned one of these amino acids in the
chain.
Directions:
You will be assigned an amino acid. Please note where your amino acid is
located in the molecule, because at the end of the lab the whole class has to put
their pieces together in the correct sequence!
Figure out which DNA base triplet codes for your amino acid. If there are
several possible triplets, use the first one on your decoder sheet!
Your amino acid should be coded by the LEFT hand side of the DNA molecule.
However, remember that these three bases must be paired with their
complementary bases on the other side of the molecule.
Cut out all of the bases needed to build your section of the DNA molecule using
the colors and patterns provided.
Paper
White
Cherry
Salmon
Blue
Purple
Gold
DNA component
Deoxyribose
Phosphate
Adenine
Cytosine
Guanine
Thymine
Be sure to clearly label each component!
Tape your DNA pieces together to form three complete “rungs of the ladder”.
Remember that the sides of the molecule should be made of sugars and
phosphates.
Begin the left-hand strand of the molecule’s “backbone” with a phosphate (5’
end) and end with a sugar (3’ end). The reverse should be applied to the right
side.
Firmly tape all of your components together with the following specifications:
Your DNA segment must be between 40-44 cm in WIDTH and between 66-70cm
in LENGTH.
Write your names and the name of your assigned amino acid on the BACK of
your DNA segment!
After your section of the gene is checked, the entire class must tape their sections
together in the correct sequence. The amino acid sequence of insulin should
match up perfectly with the base triplet sequence of the gene, in other words.
This will be graded!