Bio 182 - Gizmos; Building DNA Worksheet

Name: ______________________________________ Date: ________________________



Student Exploration: Building DNA

Vocabulary: double helix, DNA, enzyme, mutation, nitrogenous base, nucleoside, nucleotide,
replication


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.

1. Look at the DNA molecule shown at right. What does it look like?

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This shape is called a double helix.


2. 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.)

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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.

1. What are the two DNA components shown in the Gizmo?

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2. 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? ________________________________

Note: The names of these nitrogenous bases are adenine (red), cytosine (yellow), guanine
(blue), and thymine (green).




2018