DNA Structure Model

Using the included Student Instructions pamphlet as a guide, build an accurate model of DNA. After the model is complete, show your teacher and be prepared for a short verbal quiz. Be sure to always match Adenine to Thymine and Guanine to Cytosine. Also, know what each part represents within the model. Record your answers on a piece of paper. Be sure to answer your questions completely so they make sense to you later.

1. If one side of a DNA molecule contained the following code, what would be the complimentary side? ATCTGCATCGATTACGTA

2. What is the basic unit of structure of DNA? Draw and label the three parts of that structure.

3. What organic molecule does DNA contain the genetic code for creating?

4. The government and law enforcement officials would like to have a DNA sample from everyone in the country to help in the identification of criminals through DNA fingerprinting. Some people oppose this while others support it. What you think? Why?

5. Cloning is now a reality; we have cloned a lot of different animals even though the success rate is not very high. Some people would like to be able to clone pets that have died or even themselves. Most governments oppose human cloning, but do not have regulations for cloning anything else. Do you think there should be regulations? Why?

6. Some people that support human cloning would like to clone themselves so that they have a replacement set of organs to harvest as they need them. Essentially, they would keep the body of their clone alive for the parts and that’s it. Do you think we should allow human cloning in general? What about cloning for the purpose of organ donation?

 Go to the following website for a review of DNA replication and protein synthesis. www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/dna/index.html#  Click on DNA Workshop Activity  Complete the DNA Replication and Protein Synthesis activities. Read the informational passages as you go, they will help you review for your test!