DNA Modeland

ReplicationInstructions

You have been given a paper with DNA nucleotides on it. To make your model you will need to color code all the pieces.

DNA Model – Instructions

Color code all the pieces.Choose one color for each nitrogen base:A - PurpleT - RedC - YellowG - GreenChoose one color for the background of the original DNA strand – in the example I used light blueChoose a different color for the background of the pieces for replication –In the example I used Orange

You may use any color you wish, you do not have to use the same colors as the example

DNA Model – Instructions

Cut out the nucleotides for your original DNA strand only.

DO NOT cut out the pieces for replication yet.

DO NOT CUT OUT

DNA Model – Instructions

Begin to build your Original DNA strand by gluing the nucleotides together. Follow the example.

Be sure that you always pair:

A-TT-AC-G The pairs are heldG-C together by Hydrogen

Bonds

These are known as the base pairing rules. Because of this fact, DNA can replicate exactly, carry genetic information and pass that information on to the next generation.

Notice that the nucleotides go in opposite directions.

DNA is a very powerful molecule

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DNA Model – Instructions

Complete your original model by following the example to the right.

Once all you parts are glued down, be sure that you attach the sides of all the nucleotides with Covalent Bonds. (draw them in)

You now have an original strand of DNA

Your example is 10 base-pairs in length. The DNA in your cells is about 3 billion (3,000,000,000) base-pairs!

DNA is in the nucleus of all your cells. It has copied itself over and over again starting with the original nucleus of the Zygote that became you.

Fertilization:Egg + Sperm ----> Zygote23 + 23 ------> 46 Chromosomes in every human cell.

DNA Replication – Instructions

Now you are ready to replicate your original strand of DNA

Cut out the nucleotides of the pieces for replication.

DNA Replication – Instructions

You will be simulating the action of the Helicase enzyme by using your scissors to cut the hydrogen bonds between the nucleotides.

This process will unzip the DNA molecule into two halves.

DNA Replication – Instructions

Your two halves will now separate.

DNA Replication – Instructions

Glue the two halves down onto opposite sides of a piece of paper.

DNA Replication – Instructions

To simulate the action of DNA Polymerase, you will begin to attach new nucleotides to the original strands of DNA.

Again, be sure to use the base pairing rules to complete the replication process:

A-TT-AC-GG-C

DNA Replication – Instructions

Once you have glued down all the pieces, you have almost completed the replication process

DNA Replication – Instructions

Replication is complete when Ligase attaches all the pieces together with Covalent Bonds.

Turn in your completed model to Mr. Haug

It should look like the example to the right before you turn it in.