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life science assignment code of life 2024

Life Sciences (Lompec Secondary School)

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LIFE SCIENCES GRADE 12

PRACTICAL TASK TERM 1 2024

DNA: THE CODE OF LIFE Total
DURATION: 5 0 Minutes 30

INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

Read the following instructions carefully before answering the questions.
1. This is a formal SBA task and MUST be done under supervised conditions in the
classroom.
2. The DNA extraction practical can be done in groups, but each learner completes the
written part of the task on his/her own (under test conditions).
3. Present the answers as per the instructions of each question.
4. Draw all diagrams in pencil and label in blue ink.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

DNA extraction is the first step in a lot of work in genetics, including genetic testing
and genetic engineering. Scientists break open the cells and nuclear membranes of
living things, or the capsules of viruses, and then separate and purify the DNA (or
viral RNA) found inside.

PART 1: ‘Hands on’ (30 minutes)

QUESTION 1: DNA extraction
1. Aim: to extract DNA from strawberries

2. Materials required:

1. Strawberry (bananas)
2. Ziploc sandwich bag
3. DNA extraction solution (mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of
dishwashing liquid in ½ cup/125 ml of water)
4. Beaker (glass/plastic/polystyrene/ paper cup)
5. Gauze or cheesecloth (or teabag/ coffee filter)
6. Rubber band
7. Clear narrow glass/plastic jar (or test-tube/spice bottle/ baby food
jar)
8. Toothpick (skewer)
9. Dropper (syringe)
10. Ice cold ethanol (methylated spirits). Keep the ethanol in a
container of ice

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3. Method:

1. Place a strawberry into the Ziploc bag and remove most of the air
before sealing the bag
2. Mash the strawberry in the sealed bag (do not hit it against the
table)
3. Add 20 ml of the DNA extraction solution to the crushed strawberry
4. Continue to mix the contents of the sealed bag
5. Place the piece of gauze over the opening of the beaker or cup
keeping it in place with the rubber band
6. Carefully pour the strawberry mixture into the beaker (cup) making
sure to catch the pulp (solids) in the gauze
7. Take a dropper full of strawberry liquid from the beaker (cup) and
place in the test-tube (glass jar)
8. Add one dropper of ethanol (methylated spirits) to the test-tube
(glass jar)
9. DO NOT tilt or shake the test-tube (glass jar). The two liquids must
not mix
10. Leave for a short while

4. Observation
1. Observe the line between the strawberry mixture and the ice-cold
ethanol (methylated spirits)
2. You will notice a white thread-like cloud appearing at this line
3. These threads clump together and float to the top of the alcohol

Assessment rubric: practical investigation

Assessment Performance indicator levels

criteria 0 1 2 Marks
Individual
team Taking part in
Not taking part
member the group
participation
Ability to Instructions Instructions
Unable to follow
follow followed with followed without
instructions
instructions supervision supervision
Tidies/ cleans up Cleans up
Ability to Does not
under without being
work tidily tidy/clean up
supervision reminded
Effective use Experiment not Experiment
of time completed in completed in
allocated time time
Clear evidence
Results No results/DNA of DNA
extracted
Total 10

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PART 2: ‘Minds on’ (20 minutes)

QUESTION 2
Read the information on DNA extraction from strawberries.

Strawberries are soft and easy to pulverize (mash). They are octoploid and therefore
have large genomes, which means they have eight of each type of chromosome in every
cell. Thus, strawberries are an exceptional fruit to use in DNA extraction labs.

The soap helps to dissolve the phospholipid bilayers of the cell membrane and
organelles. Salt is used to break up protein chains that bind around the nucleic acids.
DNA is not soluble in ethanol. The colder the ethanol, the less soluble the DNA will be
in it. Thus make sure to keep the ethanol in the freezer or on ice.

2.1 What does the term octoploid mean? (1)

2.2 Why do we add:

a) Salt? (1)

b) Dishwashing liquid? (1)

2.3 Give ONE reason why the ethanol should be kept on ice. (1)

2.4 State a conclusion to your experiment. (2)

2.5 Draw a diagram of your results (4)

(10)

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QUESTION 3
Read the information on insecticide resistance.

In the 1960s an insecticide, DDT, was widely used to control insect pest populations.

Scientists carried out an investigation to determine the effect of DDT on the number of
mosquitoes over a period of five years.

The graph below shows the number of mosquitoes of 2 phenotypes:

• those resistant to DDT
• those non-resistant to DDT

Scientists collected this data from 1965, when DDT was first used, through to 1970.
Spraying with DDT was stopped in 1968.

Scientists have narrowed down how the mosquitoes develop resistance to DDT. They
have found that resistant mosquitoes have a single mutation in the gene named
GSTe2. This mutation makes insects produce a protein that helps the breakdown of
DDT so that it is no longer toxic.

Adapted from: Victoria Certification of Education. 2004. Biology exam<www.vcaa.vic.edu.au> ]

[Source: <www.sciencedaily.com> ]

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3.1 Name the mutated gene found in resistant mosquitoes. (1)

3.2 In which year did the number of resistant mosquitoes equal the number
of non-resistant mosquitoes? (1)

3.3 Identify the:

a) dependent variable (1)

b) independent variable (1)

3.4 State what scientists can conclude about the effect of DDT on the
number of mosquitoes during the period that DDT was being sprayed. (2)

(6)

QUESTION 4
Anna wants to identify her biological father. Three men were identified
as being her possible father. A DNA sample from her, each of the men
and her mother were analysed.
The diagram below was produced:

4.1 Name the technique that was used to identify the father. (1)
4.2 Who is the possible father? (1)
4.3 State TWO other uses of the technique identified in QUESTION 4.1. (2)
(4)
TOTAL 30

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References
1. https://extension.uga.edu/content/dam/extension/programs-and-services/science-
behind-our-food/documents/StrawberryDNAForever.pdf
2. https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/media/1156/scienceathome_dna_grade12.pdf
3. https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/image_maps/35-what-is-pcr-used-for
4. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/11/231101134744.htm

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