NYS Living Environment Standards (4):
2.1f – In all organisms, the coded instructions for specifying the
characteristics of the organism are carried in DNA, a large molecule formed
from subunits arranged in a sequence with bases of four kinds (represented
by A,G,C, and T). The chemical and structural properties of DNA are the
basis for how the genetic information that underlies heredity is both encoded
in genes (as a string of molecular “bases”) and replicated by means of a
template.
2.1 g – cells store and use coded information. The genetic information stored
in DNA is used to direct the synthesis of thousands of proteins that each cell
requires.
Appendix A – uses chromatography and/or electrophoresis to separate
molecules
Rationale: DNA electrophoresis equipment may be costly for a school or district,
and requires many lab periods and prep time for the teacher. By using this
virtual lab, students will use the same procedures in a virtual setting to
understand the properties of DNA and how it is analyzed in a science lab.
OR
This virtual lab can be a pre-lab to an actual DNA electrophoresis lab
This laboratory investigation requires student computers or a laptop cart (with sound)
and in-focus for student-centered and whole group learning.
Scope and Sequence of Events for Lab:
1. Pre-Lab Questions completed individually or in pairs
and shared with the class. Think/pair/share or whole
class discussion.
2. Podcast and determining importance individually.
Then, discuss as a class either as a carousel or whole
group discussion.
3. Complete the virtual lab with lab packet (individually)
or in pairs
4. Final Day discussion
PRE-LAB QUESTIONS
1. What is DNA?
2. How does DNA make each of us unique?
3. Where can we find DNA?
4. What do you know about running DNA “fingerprints” from watching TV, the
news, reading about it in the paper or on-line?
Directions: Watch the podcast on DNA introduction. Fill in the table below as you
watch and listen to the podcast.
1. Determining Importance (FACTS), Questioning, and
Responding:
F AC T
QUESTION
RESPONSE
NOW IT’S TIME TO WORK ON THE VIRTUAL DNA GEL ELECTROPHORESIS LAB. YA-HOO!!
Directions: go to http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/biotech/gel/. As you progress
through this lab, it is important to read both above and below the pictures to get a grasp
on WHAT you are doing and WHY you are doing it! If at any time you do not understand
the “what and why,” you can always go backwards, look things up on the Internet, or ask
for help. Follow the directions at the bottom of the picture and in the virtual lab itself.
The forward and back buttons are below the green square.
1. Gel Electrophoresis – what is in this tube, and what are you going to do with it?
2. What is the gel used for and why?
3. Make an analogy of how the gel sorts the DNA to something you are familiar
with. Explain in the box below.
4. Why do we need to stain the DNA?
5. Give another example of staining used in science and explain what stain is used
and WHY:
6. Write down the materials and steps for running a gel, and give a BRIEF
explanation/snapshot of what’s happening at each step. If it helps you to sketch it,
please do so.
7. Why do we use a size standard?
8. What is the size of the DNA fragments you ran through the gel
electrophoresis?
9. Please write down your conclusions on the “post-it note” below. Include what
you’ve learned from this lab, any questions you still have, connections you’ve
made, or comments you have.