Genetics WebQuest

Task

In this webquest, you will find and understand the basic elements of genetics. You should click on the links provided to answer the questions outlined.

Process

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/basics/

Click the link above to go to the main Genetics web page. Then, use the links on the tool bar to find the answers to the following questions:

What is DNA?  ( look at the navigation bar and click on What is DNA?)  1)  Why is DNA important? 2) What does DNA stand for?  3)  Why is DNA called a blueprint?   4)  The "twisted ladder" shape of the DNA molecule is called a ______________.  5)  Name the four bases found in a DNA molecule.   6)  A DNA strand is made of  _________ which make up __________ which make up sentences.   7)  These "sentences" are called ________________.   What is a Gene?   ( just look at the navigation bar and you'll see What is a Gene? )   8)  What is a gene?  9)  Blood cells use a protein called ___________ to capture and carry oxygen.  10) When a gene is changed, it is said to be ________________.  11)  A mutation in the hemoglobin gene cause what disorder?   What is a Chromosome?   12)  If you stretched the DNA from a cell out, how long would it be? 13)  How many chromosomes are in a human cell?  In a mosquito?   In a carp?  What is a Protein?   14)  How is a protein like a car engine?   15)  Receptor proteins are responsible for picking up _______________.  16)  Each gene in DNA encodes information on how to make a __________.  17)  Once in the cytoplasm, the _________ reads the message.    What is Heredity?   18)  The passing of traits from parents to a child is the basis of __________.  19)  Every child receives  _________of its chromosomes from his mother, and _________from his father.   20)  When a sperm and egg join, they create a single cell called a _________. 21)  Each child inherits a _________ set of chromosomes.    What is a Trait?   22)  Give an example of a physical trait:  _______________ 23)  A dog fetching a bone is an example of what kind of trait.   24)  Scientists describe the set of information for each form of a trait as an ____________. Build a DNA Molecule  25)  What is the base pair rule?   26)  Draw a small 5 base pair DNA molecule showing how A/T and G/C go together. Transcribe and Translate a Gene  27)  Define transcription.   28)  Define translation.  29)  Follow the instructions for the activity.  List the amino acid sequence you created.   What Makes a Firefly Glow  30)  Fireflies glow to attract a _________and to avoid ___________. 31) RNA polymerase binds to the ____________gene.   32)  When transcription is complete, the LUC mRNA moves to the ________ 33)  The ribosome interprets the mRNA to produce the string of ________ 34)  In order to become a functioning luciferase enzyme, the string must _________________.  35)  The enzymes bind to _____________to create light.    What is a Stem Cell 36)  What is special about stem cells?   37)  What is a special kind of stem cell and why is it special?   38)  How are somatic stem cells different?  What can they turn into? 

#39, 40, 41)  Make up 3 questions (and answer them!) from any part of the WebQest. You can make up these 3 questions from the “Mouse Party Game” if you like.