Virtual Lab-BuildingDNASE
Virtual Lab-BuildingDNASE
Vocabulary: double helix, DNA, enzyme, mutation, nitrogenous base, nucleoside, nucleotide,
replication
1. Look at the DNA molecule shown at right. What does it look like?
Gizmo Warm-up
The Building DNA Gizmo allows you to construct a DNA
molecule and go through the process of DNA replication.
Examine the components that make up a DNA molecule.
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1. What are the two DNA components shown in the Gizmo?
Note: The names of these nitrogenous bases are adenine (red), cytosine (yellow), guanine
(blue), and thymine (green).
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Activity A: Get the Gizmo ready:
Build a DNA If necessary, click Reset to start the building
molecule process.
4. Fill in: Write the name of the nitrogenous base that joins to each of the bases below:
Adenine (A) joins to Thymine (T) Thymine (T) joins to Adenine (A)
Cytosine (C) joins to Guanine (G) Guanine (G) joins to Cytosine (C)
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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.
1. Observe: An enzyme is a protein that facilitates certain cell processes. Click Release
enzyme to release DNA helicase. What does this enzyme do to the DNA molecule?
A. Notice that two groups of Nucleotides appear on the right. What are the three parts
B. Drag one of the nucleotides to a corresponding nitrogenous base on one of the two
strands. What is the role of DNA polymerase in this process? Make dna from
nucleotides
3. Build: Complete the two molecules of DNA by dragging nucleotides to their corresponding
locations. When you have finished, compare the two completed daughter DNA molecules.
What do you notice about the two molecules? They both show the DNA molecule strand
4. Take a picture: Click the camera to take a snapshot of the DNA molecules, and paste the
image into your document. Label this image “Daughter DNA molecules.”
How do these molecules compare to the original? It shows a complete dna molecule
5. Think and discuss: Why is DNA replication such an important process? Many molecules are
involved in the process
6. Extend your thinking: Sometimes errors called mutations occur during DNA replication.
What are some of the possible consequences of mutations?
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Genetic disorders or diseases
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