DNA Structure and Function

Introduction

Task

Choose groups of up to four people
Navigate to the "Process" tab and work your way through the activities in sequential order
You must complete one part, and turn your product into your instructor, before moving onto the next part.
Be sure to use the RESOURCES and VIDEOS throughout this webquest to your advantage.

Process

Part I: The History of DNA

Look up the following scientists and institutes. Create a timeline of their contributions to DNA research. Investigate an additional two scientists OR scientific institutes, and add them to your timeline! For each point on your timeline, be sure to include the year, a picture of the scientist or institute, a summary of their research, and a description of their contribution to DNA research. Refer to the "Part I Resources" section below to help guide you. One timeline per group must be turned in to the teacher before moving onto the next section.

James Watson & Francis Crick
Roslin Institute
Phoebus Levene
Rosalind Franklin
Edwin Chargaff
Gregor Mendel

Part I Resources:

Part II: DNA Structure

Use the links below to learn more about DNA and to explore DNA molecules interactively.

You are now going to build 2 DNA molecules! Before you begin, grab the following materials from the front of the room:

toothpicks, ~50
multicolored gumdrops, ~60
paper plate, to work on so the table stays clean from loose sugar
1 DNA color key
2 DNA identity cards
blank sheet of paper, for coding notes and sketching
pencil

Watch the video below to find out how to build your model:

Turn your models in to the teacher before moving onto the next section!

Part III: DNA Replication

View the videos and links in the Part III Resources section below. Your final task is to create a comic, story, or song about DNA replication. Below are specific instructions depending on what product you choose to create:

Comics must be COLORFUL, NEAT, and READABLE! Comics may be digital or hand-made.
Stories should be at least four paragraphs long, and typed up in a word document.
Songs must be recorded. You may choose to record your voices only, or to record yourselves performing. A copy of your lyrics must be typed up.

For whatever product your group chooses to make, you MUST address the following structural components and processes in your work:

Structural Components:

DNA double helix
Nucleotides
Deoxyribose
Nitrogen bases (Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, Cytosine)
Phosphate
5 and 3 prime
Antiparallel
DNA ligase
DNA polymerase
Helicase
Replication fork
Leading strand
Lagging strand
Okazaki fragments
Hydrogen bonding
Covalent bonding
Complementary base pairing

Processes:

Unzipping
Unwinding
Breaking hydrogen bonds
5 to 3 prime direction of replication
Complementary base pairing
Joining of Okazaki fragments with ligase

Once your comic, story, or song, is complete turn it in to your instructor!

Part III Resources:

Evaluation

Timeline Rubric
All 6 listed scientists and 2 additional scientists (or organizations) are shown on the timeline	5	4	3	2	1
Each point on the timeline includes the following information: The year, a picture of the scientist, a summary of their experiment, and a description of their contribution to the discovery of DNA	5	4	3	2	1
The timeline was neat, scientist and institutional contributions were in the correct order, and color was used	5	4	3	2	1
DNA Structure Rubric
Both DNA molecules were correctly modeled after the two selected DNA identity cards	5	4	3	2	1
DNA Replication Rubric
Structural Components: All components included and addressed in detail	5	4	3	2	1
Processes: Entire process of replication is correct and accurate	5	4	3	2	1
Clarity: Clear and concise vocabulary was used; all parts and processes are clearly addressed	5	4	3	2	1
Creativity: The product has a creative design that enhances understanding of DNA replication	5	4	3	2	1

Conclusion

Congratulations! You are now familiar with DNA structure and function!

Credits

Part I:

N/A

Part II:

Build a DNA Molecule

Part III:

DNA Replication Project