Name: _________________________ Class: ______________________
Date: _______________________
Making a model of DNA
General Outcome #3: Students will describe, in general terms, the role of genetic materials in the
continuity and variation of species characteristics; and investigate and interpret related technologies
Specific Outcomes
NU D
U
describe, in general terms, the role and relationship of chromosomes, genes and DNA (SO
3A)
distinguish between cell division that leads to identical daughter cells, as in binary fission
and mitosis, and cell division that leads to formation of sex cells, as in meiosis; and
describe, in general terms, the synthesis of genetic materials that takes place during
fertilization (SO 3B)
Task: You will be working with a partner to create a model of DNA using the provided materials and
demonstrating your understanding of mitosis and meiosis for an ant and a fruit fly.
Materials:
Object
Symbolizes
Pink Marshmallow
Green Marshmallow
Orange Marshmallow
Yellow Marshmallow
Red Licorice
Black Licorice
Toothpicks
Fishing Line
Adenine
Guanine
Thymine
Cytosine
Sugar
Phosphate
To hold DNA together
To create the double helix shape
Procedure:
1. Your DNA model must follow this code for the “rungs” of your ladder. Complete the right side of this
chart with the appropriate nitrogen base
LEFT SIDE
RIGHT SIDE
Cytosine
Thymine
Thymine
Adenine
Guanine
Guanine
Cytosine
Adenine
Cytosine
Thymine
2. Use the toothpicks to create nucleotides for each of the nitrogen bases from the LEFT side of the above
chart.
3. Complete the right side of the DNA ladder by adding complementary nucleotides.
4. Your result should be the shape of a ladder.
5. String your sugars and phosphates onto the licorice. Twist to get the appropriate shape.
Name: _________________________ Class: ______________________
Date: _______________________
Questions: (attach on a separate paper, please)
1. What is Biological Diversity?
2. How does variation occur among and within species?
3. How can the concept of DNA be used to explain the diversity of living things in the world we
live?
4. The scientific discovery of DNA has been a significant, but quite recent break through in
biological sciences. Why would the discovery of DNA be so significant? How has its
discovery impacted or changed how we view diversity?
Mitosis and Meiosis:
1. An ant has 2 chromosomes. Draw a diagram and model both MITOSIS and MEIOSIS for this ant.
Mitosis
Meiosis
2. A human has 46 chromosomes. Draw a diagram and model both MITOSIS and MEIOSIS for this human.
Mitosis
Beginning
Meiosis
Acceptable
Proficient
Mastery