Introduction
Welcome to your DNA WebQuest!
In this interactive journey, you'll dive deep into the fascinating world of DNA. DNA is the blueprint of life. DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid and is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for all living things. Understanding DNA is crucial to helps us comprehend traits and genetics.
Throughout this WebQuest, you will explore the structure of DNA, how it influences the traits of organisms, and how it replicates. You'll utilize and engage with various resources, including videos, and interactive models that will guide you on this incredible journey into the depths of the basic unit of life.
Are you ready to unlock the mysteries of DNA?
Let's begin this exciting exploration of the code of life!
Task
Task 1: Watch the interesting video about DNA. This will help you begin to understand how DNA is structured and works.
DNA Structure and Function Video
View the DNA Structure video by Teachers Pet on YouTube and answer the following questions.
Full URL:
Tiny URL:https://tinyurl.com/h55cdnx
1.What does DNA stand for?
2. What does the information contained in DNA determine?
3. What does DNA code for?
4. What does the information contained in DNA determine?
5. What are the monomers of DNA called?
6. What is the backbone of DNA composed of?
7. What type of bond links bases together?
8. Why are strands of DNA said to be complementary to one another?
Task 2: DNA Inquiry Activity
Interact with a molecule of DNA using the DNA: The Double Helix interactive on the Labexchange website.
Manipulate the model and answer the following questions.
Full URL:https://www.labxchange.org/library/items/lb:LabXchange:5c1562b9:lx_simulation:1
Tiny URL: https://tinyurl.com/22shcw5t
1. How many “chains” do you observe in this DNA model?
2. List the five elements found in DNA.
3. Check the ball & stick and nucleotides boxes. What do you observe about the different colors of nucleotides? Do you observe any patterns?
4. Manipulate the model and experiment with the options for a few minutes. List observations you make as you explore.
Task 3: Interactive DNA Discovery
Use either method below to complete the Interactive DNA Discovery activity on the 23andMe website.
Click Get Started to begin and Next to move through the activity.
As you move through the activity, answer the following questions.
Full URL: Interactive DNA Discovery - 23andMe for Healthcare Professionals
Tiny URL: https://tinyurl.com/u4e8z6e
1. In which organelle is most DNA found?
2. How many chromosomes do you inherit from your father?
How many chromosomes do you inherit from your mother?
3. If you are male, what combination of chromosomes do you have? _______ If female?_______
4. What does DNA contain instructions for?
5. What is the role of proteins?
6. What are the sections of DNA that contain instructions for making proteins called?
7. What does T pair with?______ What does G pair with?_____
8. If a DNA sequence is A-T-G-A-C, write the sequence of base pairs that would pair with it.
9. What percent of humans’ DNA sequences are identical?
10. What factors influence your traits?
Task 4: DNA Model Interactive
Complete the DNA Structure model on the BioMan Bio website. As you complete the activity, answer the following questions.
Full URL: https://biomanbio.com/HTML5GamesandLabs/LifeChemgames/dna-structure-model-page.html
Tiny URL: https://tinyurl.com/37dxcxbe
1. Describe the shape of a DNA molecule.
2. Build the four nucleotides. What does each nucleotide contain?
3. Build a complementary strand of DNA. Where are the hydrogen bonds found?
4. Where are the covalent bonds found?
5. What was your score at the end of this activity? (Take a screen shot and send in Teams) _______
Extension Activity
Choose an activity below and write a summary of the activity that includes information and facts from the activity.
Choice 1: Ancient DNA Timeline Interactive
Full URL: https://www.unlockinglifescode.org/ancient-dna-timeline
Tiny URL: https://tinyurl.com/ybdj298e
Choice 2: DNA’s Unsung Hero Video
Full URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIP0lYrdirI&t=5s
Tiny URL: https://tinyurl.com/rs6t7fea
Evaluation
Congratulations!
You’ve completed all the assignments. For your final assignment you be presenting what you learned about DNA in front of the class. You can do this by being creative.
Whichever project you choose to do must show all that you have learned from this interactive site.
Your options are as follows:
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Create a PowerPoint
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Draw a posterboard
Credits
Ancient DNA | Unlocking Life’s Code. (n.d.). Www.unlockinglifescode.org. https://www.unlockinglifescode.org/ancient-dna-timeline
Bioman Biology. (n.d.). DNA Structure Model. Biomanbio.com. https://biomanbio.com/HTML5GamesandLabs/LifeChemgames/dna-structure-mod…
Interactive DNA Discovery - 23andMe for Healthcare Professionals. (2023). 23andMe for Healthcare Professionals. https://medical.23andme.com/dna-discovery/#
LabXchange. (n.d.). Www.labxchange.org. https://www.labxchange.org/library/items/lb:LabXchange:5c1562b9:lx_simu…
- YouTube. (2024). Youtu.be. https://youtu.be/C1CRrtkWwu0?si=WqwxZNL51ItJbxUD
- YouTube. (2024). Youtu.be. https://youtu.be/BIP0lYrdirI?si=JvRDu5MdJiQnHaMv
Teacher Page
The following WebQuest was designed for my students to learn about the structure and function of DNA and the importance of understanding how it works and why it is important to our bodies. The standards that were utilized for this site are as follows: HS-LS3-1 ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring. HS-LS3-2 Make and defend a claim based of evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors. This site is intended to be used in the classroom and at home. The hope is that students will understand the advantage of technology inside and outside of the classroom and utilize at home.