Genetics Science Learning Center
Objective: Students will browse the Genetics Science Learning Center Website
to learn about basic genetics, including the structure of DNA, transcription and
translation. Answer the questions as you browse through the site topics.
Site Location: http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/
Click on the link that says "The Basics and Beyond" then ---Click on the link that says
"Tour the Basics"
1. What is DNA? _____________________________________________________
2. What does DNA stand for?
____________________________________________________
3. Why is DNA called a blueprint?
____________________________________________________
4. The "twisted ladder" shape of the DNA molecule is called a
__________________________________
5. Name the four bases found in a DNA molecule.
_________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
______
6. A DNA strand is made of ______________ which make up _______________ which
make up sentences.
7. These "sentences" are called _____________________________________
What is a Gene? Hint - Look at the navigation bar at the top, you'll need to click on
"What is a Gene" to continue.
8. What is a gene?
__________________________________________________________________
9. Blood cells use a protein called _______________________ to capture and carry
oxygen.
10. When a gene is changed, it is said to be ________________________________
11. A mutation in the hemoglobin gene cause what disorder?
_______________________________
What is a Chromosome?
9. If you stretched the DNA from a cell out, how long would it be?
____________________________
10. How many chromosomes are in a human cell? ___________ in a mosquito?
________ a carp? _________
What is a protein?
11. How is a protein like a car engine? ____________________________
12. Receptor proteins are responsible for picking up ___________________
13. Each gene in DNA encodes information on how to make a
_________________________
14. Once in the cytoplasm, the _______________ reads the message.
What is Heredity?
11. The passing of traits from parents to a child is the basis of _____________________
12. Every child receives __________ of its chromosomes from his mother, and
_______from his father.
13. When a sperm and egg join, they create a single cell called a
__________________________
14. Each child inherits a ______________ set of chromosomes
What is a Trait
17. Give an example of a physical trait: ___________________________
18. A dog fetching a bone is an example of what kind of trait.
_____________________________
19. Scientists describe the set of information for each form of a trait as an
______________________
"Build a DNA Molecule" (return to "Basics and Beyond")
19. Build a DNA molecule. What is the base pair rule?
_________________________________
20. Draw the DNA molecule you built. Show how the bases are lined up and how they
are attached.
"Transcribe and Translate a Gene" (return to "Basics and Beyond")
21. Define transcription:
______________________________________________________________________
22. Define translation:
_______________________________________________________________________
23. Follow the instructions for the activity. List the amino acid sequence you created.
________________________________________________________________________
_________________
"What Makes a Firefly Glow" (return to "Basics and Beyond")
24. Fireflies glow to attract a __________________ and to avoid
______________________
25. RNA polymerase binds to the ______________________ gene.
26. When transcription is complete, the LUC mRNA moves to the
_____________________
27. The ribosome interprets the mRNA to produce a string of
_____________________________
28. In order to become a functioning luciferase enzyme, the string must
____________________________
29. The enzymes bind to ____________________________to create light.