DNA replication
Purpose: To model the process of DNA.
Materials:
Deoxyribose – black pentagon
Phosphate – white tube
Hydrogen bond – white rod
Bases – Cytosine – blue tube
Thymine – green tube
Adenine – orange tube
Guanine – yellow tube
Procedure:
Part I. Constructing a DNA molecule
1. Build a DNA molecule that is 6 nucleotides long (will need 12 nucleotides total). A
nucleotide consists of a phosphate, deoxyribose sugar, and one of four bases (A, T, C,
or G).
2. Connect the bases using hydrogen bonds. Be sure bases are paired according to base
pairing rules.
3. Answer the questions on your data sheet regarding your DNA molecule.
Part II. Replication
1. Place your constructed DNA molecule on your desk.
2. Unzip your molecule of DNA.
3. Build 12 nucleotides that have bases complimentary to the bases on your existing
DNA molecule.
4. Bond the DNA nucleotides with their partners on each side of your DNA (using
hydrogen bonds) and to each other (connect sugars and phosphates).
5. Answer the questions on your data sheet.
Data Sheet
Part I. DNA molecule
1. List the sequence of bases along the left side of your DNA molecule.
2. List the sequence of bases along the right side of your DNA molecule.
3. How do the bases pair together in your DNA molecule?
4. What holds the bases together in your DNA molecule?
5. What structures are found along the sides of the DNA ladder? Which one attaches to
the bases?
Part II. Replication
6. How do the 2 new strands of DNA compare to the original strand of DNA you
created in part I?
7. How do the 2 new strands of DNA compare to each other?
8. Why does this process need to occur whenever new cells are being made?
9. When might your body need to make new cells?