BIO1061 - Basic Biology & Labs

LAB 1. DNA AND INHERITANCE

Exercise 1- DNA extraction:

Introduction:
DNA is a macromolecule made of nucleotides consisting of a phosphate, a sugar, and one
of 4 different nitrogenous bases: A, T, G, C. DNA is essential for normal cellular
function and it is found in all living cells. Essentially, it contains the genetic material for
making everything a living cell needs to survive. It controls what a cell looks like and the
specific functional capability of the cell.
Human, plant, and animal cells have DNA stored in every cell in their body.
In this lab, you will see how DNA is extracted from cheek cells.
Procedure:
Go to the web page, http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/extraction , perform the
virtual lab and answer the questions in lab report.

Exercise 2 - DNA detective: use DNA evidence (DNA profiling) to solve a crime
Introduction:
As you see in the previous exercise, DNA is used for forensic analysis. In this activity,
you will learn about the collection and processing of DNA evidence and use DNA
profiling to solve a crime.
Even though we are all unique, most of our DNA is actually identical to other people’s
DNA. However, specific regions of our DNA vary highly between people – these regions
are called polymorphic, and differences in these variable regions between people are
known as polymorphisms. Each of us inherits a unique combination of polymorphisms
from our parents. DNA polymorphisms can be analyzed to give a DNA profile.
Procedure:
Go to the web page, https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/embeds/141-crime-scene-dna-
slideshow
There are ten tabs numbered from 1 to 10. Just click on the tab. Please do not forget to
answer the questions in lab report.

Exercise 3 - Karyotype
Introduction:
This exercise is a simulation of human karyotyping using digital images of chromosomes
from actual human genetic studies. You will arrange chromosomes into a completed
BIO1061 - Basic Biology & Labs

karyotype, and interpret your findings just as if you were working in a genetic analysis
program at a hospital or clinic. The analysis involves comparing chromosomes for their
length, the placement of centromeres (areas where the two chromatids are joined), and the
location and sizes of G-bands.

Below is an example of normal completed human karyotype

Procedure:
Go to the web page,
http://www.biology.arizona.edu/human_bio/activities/karyotyping/karyotyping2.html
You will electronically complete the karyotype for three individuals and look for
abnormalities that could explain the phenotype. Then, answer the questions in lab report.

Exercise 4 – Cell cycle

Introduction:
The life cycle of the cell is typically divided into 5 major phases. The phases are listed
below, along with the major events that occur during each phase.
BIO1061 - Basic Biology & Labs

Interphase. The cell is engaged in metabolic activity and performing its

duty as part of a tissue. The DNA duplicates during interphase to prepare
for mitosis. Chromosomes are not clearly discerned in the nucleus,
although a dark spot called the nucleolus may be visible.

Prophase. Chromatin in the nucleus begins to condense and becomes

visible in the light microscope as chromosomes. The nuclear membrane
dissolves. Proteins attach to the centromeres creating the kinetochores.
Microtubules attach at the kinetochores and the chromosomes begin
moving.

Metaphase. Spindle fibers align the chromosomes along the middle of the

cell nucleus. This line is referred to as the metaphase plate.

Anaphase. The paired chromosomes separate at the kinetochores and

move to opposite sides of the cell. Motion results from a combination of
kinetochore movement along the spindle microtubules and through the
physical interaction of polar microtubules.

Telophase. New membranes form around the daughter nuclei while the

chromosomes disperse and are no longer visible under the light
microscope. Cytokinesis or the partitioning of the cell may also begin
during this stage.

Procedure:
Go to the web page,
http://www.biology.arizona.edu/cell_bio/activities/cell_cycle/01.html
In this activity, you will be presented with cells from the tip of an onion root. You will
classify each cell based on what phase it is. At the end you will count the cells found in
each phase and answer the questions in lab report.