Assessment statements
	What you need to know
	Unit activities list
	Key terms
	Helpful links

Assessment Statements:

DNA Structure

3.3.1	Outline DNA nucleotide structure in terms of sugar (deoxyribose), base and phosphate.
3.3.2	State the names of the four bases in DNA.
3.3.3	Outline how DNA nucleotides are linked together by covalent bonds into a single strand.
3.3.4	Explain how a DNA double helix is formed using complementary base pairing and hydrogen bonds.
3.3.5	Draw and label a simple diagram of the molecular structure of DNA.
4.1.1	State that eukaryote chromosomes are made of DNA and proteins.
7.1.1	Describe the structure of DNA, including the antiparallel strands, 3’–5’ linkages and hydrogen bonding between purines and pyrimidines.
7.1.2	Outline the structure of nucleosomes.
7.1.3	State that nucleosomes help to supercoil chromosomes and help to regulate transcription.
7.1.4	Distinguish between unique or single-copy genes and highly repetitive sequences in nuclear DNA.

 

DNA technology

4.4.1	Outline the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to copy and amplify minute quantities of DNA.
4.4.2	State that, in gel electrophoresis, fragments of DNA move in an electric field and are separated according to their size.
4.4.3	State that gel electrophoresis of DNA is used in DNA profiling.
4.4.4	Describe the application of DNA profiling to determine paternity and also in forensic investigations.
4.4.5	Analyse DNA profiles to draw conclusions about paternity or forensic investigations.
4.4.6	Outline three outcomes of the sequencing of the complete human genome.

What You Need to Know

DNA Structure

Draw the basic structure of a DNA nucleotide.

Draw the molecular structure of deoxyribose and number the carbon atoms.

Identify the four bases of DNA based on the numbers of rings (purines vs. pyrimidines) and the number of hydrogen bonds it can form.

Outline how the DNA nucleotides are linked together by covalent bonds into a single strand.

Know which bases are capable of complimentary pairing.

How many bases are there per complete turn of the helix?

Outline the structure of nucleosomes, referring to the correct number of histone proteins.

Describe what is meant by “anti-parallel.”

Identify the 5’ and 3’ ends of a DNA molecule.

Describe the structure of the DNA found inside mitochondria and chloroplasts, and explain how this is evidence for the endosymbiotic theory.

 

DNA technology

What are restriction enzymes? 

Where are they found naturally?  What is their role in nature?

What is a restriction site? 

Define palindrome. 

How are restriction enzymes named?

Contrast sticky vs. blunt ends.

Why are restriction enzymes used in DNA electrophoresis?

What is electrophoresis?  For what purposes is it used?

Based on what properties are fragments separated?

What are the functions of the buffer and loading dye?

Describe the process of DNA fingerprinting. 

Read a DNA fingerprint to determine relatedness or forensic guilt. 

Be able to read a pipette to determine its range of volume measurement.

Unit Activities List:

Nucleic acids web assignment (doc)

DNA extraction lab (pdf)

Race for the Double Helix video (doc)

DNA history readings questions (doc)

DNA history article 1, article 2 and article 3 (all pdf). 

DNA structure notes template (doc)

DNA structure notes presentation

DNA components worksheet (doc)

DNA models (doc)

DNA diagram labeling and quiz

Play Doh models (doc)

Human genome project web assignment (doc)

HGP and Gene Identification (doc)

Mystery genes (doc)

Electropherograms for mystery genes (pdf)

Modeling electrophoresis lab (doc)

Electrophoresis notes (doc).  Here's the first link, the reading for the second part (pdf), and the presentation for the third part (ppt).

Restriction enzyme notes and problems (doc)

DNA sequences for practice problems (doc)

Restriction enzyme site finder challenge (doc)

Sequences for the restriction enzyme site finder challenge (doc)

Answer key to the site finder challenge (doc)

Pipette practice lab and skills worksheet (doc)

DNA fingerprinting lab (doc)

Idealized results for the DNA fingerprinting lab (doc)

Key Terms:

3'	micropipette
5'	mitochondria
adenine	naked DNA
agasose gel	nitrogenous base
antiparrallel	nucleic acid
chloroplast	nucleoid
chromatin	nucleosome
chromosome	nucleotide
covalent bond	nucleus
crick	palandrome
cytosine	pentose
deoxyribonucleic acid	phosphate
deoxyribose	plasmid
DNA fingerprint	purine
electrophoresis	pyrimidine
Franklin	restriction enzymes
guanine	restriction site
helicase	thymine
histone	tracking dye
hydrogen bond	Watson
microliter	X ray diffraction

Helpful Links:

DNA Structure

Journey Into DNA

DNA anatomy

DNA Discovery Modules

DNA Coiling To Form Chromosomes

Chromosome Description

 

DNA technology

The Human Genome Project animations

Cycle sequencing

DNA restriction

Gel electrophoresis

PCR Mutagenesis

PCR

PCR

Sanger sequencing

Paternity Testing

Plasmids, Restriction Digestion, DNA gels

Gene Technology

BLAST search

Scientist for Better PCR

Sequence For Yourself

Gel Electrophoresis

DNA Sequencing