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DNA Modeling S24-2

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23 views

DNA Modeling S24-2

Uploaded by

joshua.sandifer
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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DNA Modeling

We will be using a kit to make a small model of DNA. While it is a fraction of the total DNA found in
the individuals of every species due to its repeating nature you will come away with a solid
understanding of how DNA is constructed and how it codes for information.

Model Kit #:

The building blocks of DNA (and RNA) are called nucleotides. Nucleotides, themselves, are
composed of three chemical compounds: a nitrogenous base, a deoxyribose sugar, and a phosphate
group. Using the DNA model kit, construct a nucleotide for each of the 4 nitrogenous bases and
insert their pictures in the table below. For one of your pics, load it into Google Draw and label the
three parts of a nucleotide (label the nitrogenous base with an “N”, deoxyribose sugar with a “D”, and
the phosphate group with a “P”.

Adenine (A) Guanine (G)

Thymine (T) Cytosine (C)

Nucleotides are found in hydrogen bonded pairs in DNA. These pairs are called complementary
because only certain pairs are possible. The complementary pairs are A-T and G-C because of the
hydrogen bonds that are formed. Hydrogen bonds are weak which makes it easier when the DNA is
replicated and has to be split down the middle where the H bonds are located. Use Google Draw to
label the hydrogen bond with an “H” in one of the pictures.
True or False: Hydrogen bonds are one of the strongest types of chemical bonds.
false

Construct a DNA molecule that has 6 pairs of complementary bases. Take a picture of your model
lying flat on the table.

DNA (6 base pairs long)

Write down the order of the base pairs in your model (e.g., A-T).
Base Pair

1st cg

2nd at

3rd cg

4th ta

5th gc

6th at

Take a picture (selfie is optional) of your properly constructed DNA model which includes the twist
and being mounted on the support stand.

Completed model on support stand with a twist


Amino acids are determined with codes that are 3 nitrogen base sequences in length. These amino
acids form proteins which become phenotypic traits.

In the table below, identify the 3 amino acids for the N base sequences given then identify the N base
sequences for the strand of DNA that you constructed along with the amino acids that they code for
using the table on page 2 in the booklet.

N Base Sequence Amino Acid

CAT methionine

GTC Aspartic acid

CGA Cysteine

YourModel1:

YourModel2:

What is the connection between DNA and a phenotypic trait like eye color?
The special variations within the DNA cause the traits to happen.

Mutations
Mutations are random changes to the nitrogen base sequence of DNA. Remember that the
sequence of nitrogen bases determines the amino acids that are bonded together. This, in turn,
determines the type of protein that is made and, ultimately, the phenotypic trait. There can be serious
consequences to mutations like in the case of Sickle Cell Anemia.

The mutation causes a change in one amino acid (Glutamic Acid to Valine) which results in
misshapen red blood cells. These sickle cells get stuck in capillaries (the smallest type of blood
vessel) and cause tissue death. This leads to poor health in general and early death.

There are three types of mutations: beneficial, neutral, and deleterious. Neutral mutations occur
when N base change occurs but the amino acid is not affected (i.e., does not change). For the two
amino acids produced by your model, identify a neutral mutation for each. Embolden the changed N
base. (See example.)
N Base Sequence Amino Acid Neutral Mutation

CGG Proline GGG

ATT Asparagine GTT

ACA crysteine GCA

Beneficial and deleterious mutations cannot be identified by looking at changes that occur in the
amino acid and phenotype. Beneficial mutations are rarer than deleterious mutations because it is
easier to break something than to make it work better. Identify DNA mutations that would change the
amino acids in your DNA strand that you constructed. Emboldened the mutated base. (See
example.)

N Base Sequence Amino Acid Mutation New Amino Acid

CGG Proline CGA Serine

ATT asparagine ATC Aspartic Acid


ACA Cystiene ACG arginine

Completely deconstruct the model and place all of the pieces in the small bag. Place the instructions
and the small bag into the large bag and return to Dr. Lauer.

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