Essential Biology 3.3 & 7.

1: DNA Structure (HL Only)

Resources: http://sciencevideos.wordpress.com/bis-ib-diploma-programme-biology/02-the-double-helix/dna-
structure-and-replication-inc-ahl-71-72/

1. Draw and label the structure of a simplified single nucleotide, including sugar, phosphate and
base.

2. Complete the table below to show the pairings of the bases in DNA:

Purine Pyramidine
Adenine (A) Thymine (T)

Guanine (G) Cytosine (C)

3. Where would one find the base uracil?

One would find uracil in RNA, instead of thymine.

4. In the space below, draw a single strand of three nucleotides, naming the bonds between them
and showing the correct relative position of these bonds.

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Essential Biology 3.3 & 7.1: DNA Structure (HL Only)

5. Define the term double helix.

Double helix means that it has two strands that wrap around each other.

6. In the space below, draw a section of DNA, showing two anti-parallel strands of three
nucleotides. Label the bonds which hold the bases together as well as the correct
complementary base pairs. Also include the 3’ and 5’ linkages (and ends), and the distinction
between purines and pyramidines.

7. Explain the relevance of the following in the double-helix structure of DNA:

a. Complementary base pairing
The relevance of complementary base pairing is that
it prevents mistakes from being made when DNA is
being copied or transcribed.

b. Hydrogen bonds
Hydrogen bonds hold adjacent sections as well as
complementary base pairs together.

c. Relative positioning of the sugar-phosphate

backbone and the bases

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Essential Biology 3.3 & 7.1: DNA Structure (HL Only)

The sugar-phosphate backbone is outside and is hydrophilic. The bases are inside because
they are reactive and need protection.

8. In the space below, draw the structure of a simplified nucleosome, including the H1 linker and
histone proteins.

9. Nucleosomes allow the DNA to be supercoiled.

a. What is the approximate length of the DNA strand in one chromosome?
The approximate length is two metres.

b. During which phase of the cell cycle is DNA most likely to be supercoiled?
The phase that the DNA is most likely to be supercoiled is during metaphase.

c. Outline how nucleosomes help regulate transcription.

Nucleosomes help regulate transcription by specific sequences of DNA called promoters.

10. Distinguish between unique or single-copy genes and highly repetitive sequences:

Single-copy genes Highly-repetitive sequences

 1.5% of genome makes polypeptides
 3% codes for ‘on/off’ gene switches
 Contains EXONS
 Contains INTRONS
 Makes up around 5-45% of
genome
 Once called ‘junk’ DNA
 Also called satellite DNA, each
repeated sequence can be 5-300
base pairs
 Used in genetic fingerprinting

11. Distinguish between introns and exons in eukaryotic genes.

Introns are non-coding regions that can be edited out and exons are coding regions.

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Essential Biology 3.3 & 7.1: DNA Structure (HL Only)

12. The discovery of the structure of DNA earned a Nobel Prize for Watson, Crick and Wilson.
Read the resources at the Nobel Prize website:
http://nobelprize.org/educational_games/medicine/dna_double_helix/readmore.html

How is it a good example of the following:

a. Internationalism in science?

b. Cooperation in science?

c. Competition in science?

13. What was the role of Rosalind Franklin in the process of the discovery of the structure of DNA
and why was she not included in the Nobel Prize?
Franklin researched the data which Wilson, Crick and Watson got their ideas from. Franklin was
not given the Nobel Prize as she died in 1958, and only living people could receive a Nobel Prize.
However, it was discovered that she was not nominated for a Nobel Prize anyway, so would not
have received one.

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