DNA Modeling Activity
Student: ______Class:______Date: ______
Using what you have learned about the structure of DNA you and your partner will construct a model of DNA using the materials found in your DNA model bag. It is up to you how you use the materials to make the model, but it must be accurate and you should be able to justify your choices. After completing the activity you will each complete this guide on your own.
Procedures:
1)Remove the materials from your bag and spread them on your table.
2)With your partner decide which of the materials will best represent the phosphate groups, deoxyribose molecules, adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine, and how they bond to one another.
3)One partner will build the first side of the DNA molecule. It should represent the DNA sequence TACGAT.
4)The second partner will build the complementary DNA strand.
5)Complete the following portions of this guide on your own without sharing with your partner.
Draw a diagram of your DNA molecule and label each of the parts. Use colored pencils to represent the different materials you used. (ex. Color green pipe cleaners green)
RNA Modeling Activity
Student: ______Class:______Date: ______
Using what you have learned about the structure of RNA you and your partner will construct a model of RNA using the materials found in your RNA model bag. It is up to you how you use the materials to make the model, but it must be accurate and you should be able to justify your choices. After completing the activity you will each complete this guide on your own. You will also need your DNA model to refer to when completing this guide.
Procedures:
1)Remove the materials from your bag and spread them on your table.
2)With your partner decide which of the materials will best represent the phosphate groups, ribose molecules, adenine, uracil, cytosine, guanine, and how they bond to one another.
3)One partner will build the top half of the RNA molecule and the other will complete the bottom half. Your RNA molecule will represent the mRNA sequence AUGCUA
4)You will need your DNA model from the first activity to make a comparison. Repair or rebuild it if necessary.
5)Complete the following portions of this guide on your own without sharing with your partner.
Draw a diagram of your RNA molecule and label each of the parts. Use colored pencils to represent the different materials you used. (ex. Color green pipe cleaners green)