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BuildingDNASE

The document is an educational guide for students exploring the structure and replication of DNA using a Gizmo simulation. It covers key vocabulary, the process of building a DNA molecule, and the role of enzymes in DNA replication. Additionally, it discusses the importance of DNA replication and potential consequences of mutations.

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16 views6 pages

BuildingDNASE

The document is an educational guide for students exploring the structure and replication of DNA using a Gizmo simulation. It covers key vocabulary, the process of building a DNA molecule, and the role of enzymes in DNA replication. Additionally, it discusses the importance of DNA replication and potential consequences of mutations.

Uploaded by

vtcgdsjvs4
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name: ______________________________________ Date: ________________________

Student Exploration: Building DNA

Vocabulary: double helix, DNA, DNA helicase, DNA polymerase, enzyme, mutation,
nitrogenous base, nucleotide, replication

Prior Knowledge Questions (Do these BEFORE using the Gizmo.)


DNA is an incredible molecule that forms the basis of life on Earth. DNA molecules contain
instructions for building every living organism on Earth, from the tiniest bacterium to a massive
blue whale. DNA also can make copies of itself. This allows living things to grow and reproduce.

1. Look at the DNA molecule shown at right. What does it look like?

A twisted ladder

This shape is called a double helix.

2. Based on this picture, how do you think a DNA molecule makes a


copy of itself? (Hint: Look at the bottom two “rungs” of the ladder.)

the lines in the center

Gizmo Warm-up
The Building DNA Gizmo allows you to construct a DNA
molecule and go through the process of DNA replication.

1. Look on the right side of the Gizmo. What is the name


for the components make up a DNA molecule?

nucleotides

A nucleotide consists of three parts: a phosphate


group (blue circle), a sugar called deoxyribose (tan
pentagon), and a nitrogenous base (shown in color).

2. How many different nitrogenous bases do you see? 8

The names of these nitrogenous bases are adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and
thymine (T).

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Activity A: Get the Gizmo ready:

Build a DNA ● If necessary, click Reset to start the building


molecule process.

Question: What is the structure of DNA?


Left side Right side
1. Build: Follow the steps given in the Gizmo
to construct a molecule of DNA. (Note: For Adenine Thymine
simplicity, this DNA molecule is shown in
two dimensions, without the twist.) Adenine Thymine

Stop when the hint reads: “The DNA Cytosine guanine


molecule is complete.” In the spaces at
right, list the sequence of nitrogenous Cytosine guanine
bases on the left-hand side of the DNA
molecule and the right-hand side. guanine Cytosine

guanine Cytosine
2. Take a picture: Click the camera ( ) to
take a snapshot of your DNA molecule. thymine adenine
Right-click the image and select Copy
Image. Paste the image into a blank Thymine Adenine
document, and label this image “Original
DNA molecule.”

3. Explain: Describe the structure of the DNA molecule you made.

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A. What makes up the sides of the DNA molecule? Deoxyribose sugar molecules and
phosphate molecules.

B. What makes up the “rungs” of the DNA molecule? The four types of nitrogenous
bases.

4. Fill in: Write the name of the nitrogenous base that joins to each of the bases below:

Adenine (A) joins to Thymine Thymine (T) joins to adenine

Cytosine (C) joins to guanine Guanine (G) joins to cytosine

5. Practice: The left side of a DNA molecule is shown. Draw a


complementary right side of the molecule.

6. Challenge: This DNA strand consists of eight pairs of


nitrogenous bases. How many different sequences of eight
bases can you make? Explain how you found your answer.

65536 sequences, i got this because 4 to the power of 8.

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Activity B: Get the Gizmo ready:

DNA ● Be sure the hint reads: “The DNA molecule is complete.”


replication If not, click Reset and build a new DNA molecule.

Question: How does DNA make a copy of itself?

1. Observe: An enzyme is a protein that facilitates certain cell processes. Drag the blue DNA
helicase enzyme onto the DNA strand. What does this enzyme do to the DNA molecule?

It splits up the two strands of dna.

2. Observe: Drag the yellow DNA polymerase molecule onto the DNA strand. DNA
polymerase adds complementary nucleotides to create new double-stranded DNA
molecules. Notice two groups of nucleotides on the right.

A. Drag the correct nucleotide to the bottom of the left strand, where the DNA

polymerase is located. What happens? The DNA polymerase moves upwards.

B. Continue adding nucleotides to both strands. What happens to the DNA polymerase

molecule each time you add a nucleotide? They move in the opposite direction

C. Complete the two DNA molecules. How do these molecules compare to each other?

They are the exact same

3. Compare: Click the camera to take a snapshot of the DNA molecules, then paste the image
into your document. Label this image “Daughter DNA molecules.”

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How do these molecules compare to the original? This has 2 sets while the original only has
1.

Congratulations! You have completed the process of replication, where one “parent” DNA
strand divides to form two identical “daughter” DNA strands.

4. Think and discuss: Why is DNA replication such an important process? helps in the
inheritance process by transfer of genetic material from one generation to another.

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5. Extend your thinking: Sometimes errors called mutations occur during DNA replication.
What are some of the possible consequences of mutations?

Some possible consequences of mutations can be diseases like cancer.

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