M5 L1: GIZMO LAB BUILDING
Name: Kimberly Mae C. Date: 1/3/2024
Prior Knowledge Questions (Do these BEFORE using the Gizmo.)
DNA is an incredible molecule that forms the basis of life on Earth. DNA molecules contain
instructions for building every living organism on Earth, from the tiniest bacterium to a massive
blue whale. DNA also has the ability to replicate, or make copies of itself. This
allows living things to grow and reproduce.
Look at the DNA molecule shown at right.
What does it look like?
DNA looks like a twisted ladder or double helix structure.
Based on this picture, how do you think a DNA molecule makes a
copy of itself? (Hint: Look at the bottom two “rungs” of the ladder.)
DNA makes a copy of itself by separating its two strands and using
each strand as a template to synthesize a new complementary strand,
following base-pairing rules.
Gizmo Warm-up
The Building DNA Gizmo™ allows you to construct a DNA
molecule and go through the process of DNA replication.
Examine the components that make up a DNA molecule.
What are the two DNA components shown in the Gizmo?
The 2 DNA components are Nucleosides and Phosphates
A nucleoside has two parts: a pentagonal sugar (deoxyribose)
and a nitrogenous base (in color). When a nucleoside is joined
to a phosphate, it is called a nucleotide.
How many different nitrogenous bases do you see? 4
Note: The names of these nitrogenous bases are adenine (red), cytosine (yellow), guanine
(blue), and thymine (green).
, Activity A: Get the Gizmo ready:
Build a DNA · If necessary, click Reset to start the building
molecule process.
Question: What is the structure of DNA?
Build: Follow the steps given in the Gizmo to construct a molecule of DNA. (Note: For simplicity,
this DNA molecule is shown in two dimensions, without the twist.)
Stop when the hint reads: “The DNA molecule is complete.” In the table below, list the sequence
of nitrogenous bases on the left-hand side of the DNA molecule and the right-hand side.
Left side Right side
a t
a t
c g
g c
t a
c g
g c
t a
Take a picture: Click the camera () to take a snapshot of your DNA molecule. Right-click the
image and select Copy Image. Then click in the white space in the table below and right-click
and select PASTE.
Name: Kimberly Mae C. Date: 1/3/2024
Prior Knowledge Questions (Do these BEFORE using the Gizmo.)
DNA is an incredible molecule that forms the basis of life on Earth. DNA molecules contain
instructions for building every living organism on Earth, from the tiniest bacterium to a massive
blue whale. DNA also has the ability to replicate, or make copies of itself. This
allows living things to grow and reproduce.
Look at the DNA molecule shown at right.
What does it look like?
DNA looks like a twisted ladder or double helix structure.
Based on this picture, how do you think a DNA molecule makes a
copy of itself? (Hint: Look at the bottom two “rungs” of the ladder.)
DNA makes a copy of itself by separating its two strands and using
each strand as a template to synthesize a new complementary strand,
following base-pairing rules.
Gizmo Warm-up
The Building DNA Gizmo™ allows you to construct a DNA
molecule and go through the process of DNA replication.
Examine the components that make up a DNA molecule.
What are the two DNA components shown in the Gizmo?
The 2 DNA components are Nucleosides and Phosphates
A nucleoside has two parts: a pentagonal sugar (deoxyribose)
and a nitrogenous base (in color). When a nucleoside is joined
to a phosphate, it is called a nucleotide.
How many different nitrogenous bases do you see? 4
Note: The names of these nitrogenous bases are adenine (red), cytosine (yellow), guanine
(blue), and thymine (green).
, Activity A: Get the Gizmo ready:
Build a DNA · If necessary, click Reset to start the building
molecule process.
Question: What is the structure of DNA?
Build: Follow the steps given in the Gizmo to construct a molecule of DNA. (Note: For simplicity,
this DNA molecule is shown in two dimensions, without the twist.)
Stop when the hint reads: “The DNA molecule is complete.” In the table below, list the sequence
of nitrogenous bases on the left-hand side of the DNA molecule and the right-hand side.
Left side Right side
a t
a t
c g
g c
t a
c g
g c
t a
Take a picture: Click the camera () to take a snapshot of your DNA molecule. Right-click the
image and select Copy Image. Then click in the white space in the table below and right-click
and select PASTE.
