Download Acc_Bio_DNA_Webquest

Name ____________________ Period _______
Accelerated Biology
DNA: The Basics and Beyond
An Internet Web Search
Introduction:
This web search will enable you to explore and learn about the basics of DNA and genes. But why should
I learn this stuff? At the end of this internet activity you will be brainstorming with a partner the answer to
this question. Good luck on your journey through the web!
Task:
For this websearch, you will log onto the following website:
http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/basics. Once the site is open, click on the hyperlink under the basics
heading titled Tour of the Basics. From here you will explore the site to answer the questions below.
Write your answers in the space provided.
Questions:
Click the heading tab titled “What is DNA?”and answer questions 1–3.
1. (a) Explain what DNA is and (b) how individual cells know their role in the body.
2. What does DNA stand for?
3. (a) What is the four letter DNA alphabet? (b) Describe the special rules by which the alphabet
pieces bind together.
Click the heading tab titled “What is a gene?”and answer questions 4–5.
4. (a) What is a gene, (b) what are they made of, and (c) how many do humans have?
5. Describe the relationship between DNA and genes.
Click the heading tab titled “What is a chromosome?”and answer questions 6–8.
6. (a) What is a chromosome, and (b) how many do humans have?
7. (a) How are the human sex chromosomes labeled?
(b) How many do you get from your mom?
(c) dad?
8. What can you learn from looking at your chromosomes?
Click on the heading tab titled “What is a protein?”and answer questions 9–12.
9. Explain how proteins work in the body.
10. Provide an analogy that describes structural proteins.
11. Why do scientists use computer programs to model protein structure and function?
12. What provides the “instructions” for making a protein?
Click on the heading tab titled “What is heredity?”and answer questions 13–15.
13. What is heredity?
14. Why aren’t children identical to either one of their parents?
15. (a) Does the second baby in the animation inherit the exact same chromosomes as the first?
(b) Do both babies have a complete set? Explain your answer.
Click on the heading tab titled “What is a trait?”and answer questions 16–19.
16. What is a trait?
17. List the types of traits that exist.
18. Give an example of how an environmental factor can influence a trait.
19. Briefly explain how the Hitchhiker’s Thumb trait is determined using the following words: allele,
dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous. You may draw a picture to illustrate your
explanation.