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Student Exploration: Building DNA

Directions: Follow the instructions to go through the simulation. Respond to the questions and
prompts in the orange boxes.

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. Why is DNA referred to as a double helix?

Two strands of DNA

2. DNA is an example of one of our 4 main macromolecules and is classified as a

nucleic acid. The monomer used to make a DNA strand is called a nucleotide. What
are the 3 components that comprise the nucleotide?

Sugar, Phosphate, Base

3. The diagrams below represent nucleotides.Use the diagram to answer the questions in the box on the right.
a. Which 2 nitrogen bases would be paired together in a DNA
molecule?
adenine pairs with uracil (A-U), and guanine always pairs with
cytosine (G-C)

b. What type of bond is used to hold them together?

Hydrogen

4. What is the role of DNA in controlling cellular activity?

A) DNA provides energy for all cell activities.
B) DNA provides nucleotides for the construction of plasma membranes.
C) DNA determines which enzymes are produced by a cell.
D) DNA is used by cells for the excretion of nitrogenous wastes.

Building Your DNA Molecule

Before you can model how DNA replicates in this gizmo, you will need to build the DNA molecules first.
Follow the instructions below to build the DNA molecule that will then go through the process of replication.

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1. Follow the steps given in the Gizmo to construct a molecule of DNA. (Note: For simplicity, this DNA
molecule is shown in two dimensions, without the twist.)

2. Stop when the hint reads: “The DNA molecule is complete.”

Activity B: Get the Gizmo ready:

DNA ● Be sure the hint reads: “The DNA molecule is complete.”

replication If not, click Reset and build a new DNA molecule.

Question: How does DNA make a copy of itself?

1. Observe: An enzyme is a protein that facilitates certain cell processes. Click Release enzyme to release
DNA helicase. What does this enzyme do to the DNA molecule?

It moves on the next nucleotide

2. Explain why the role of the enzyme is essential to the process of DNA replication.

3. Observe: Click Release enzyme to release DNA polymerase.

A. Notice that two groups of Nucleotides appear on the right. What are the three parts

of a nucleotide?

B. Drag one of the nucleotides to a corresponding nitrogenous base on one of the two strands. What is
the role of DNA polymerase in this process?

4. Build: Complete the two molecules of DNA by dragging nucleotides to their corresponding locations. When
you have finished, compare the two completed daughter DNA molecules.

What do you notice about the two molecules?

5. Take a picture: 📷 Click the camera to take a snapshot of the DNA molecules, and paste the image below.
Label this image “Daughter DNA molecules.”

📷 “Daughter DNA molecule”

How do these molecules compare to the original?

6. Review: During what part of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur? Be as specific as possible.

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7. Think and discuss: Why is DNA replication such an important process that occurs during cell division?

8. Extend your thinking: Sometimes errors called mutations occur during DNA replication. What are some of
the possible consequences of mutations?

Reproduction for educational use only. Public sharing or posting prohibited. © 2020 ExploreLearning™ All rights reserved