Dna & Genetics: the building blocks of life Ariel white period 2 biology

Dna & Genetics: the building blocks of life

Ariel white period 2 biology

Introduction

In this investigation, my goal was to answer the essential question “How do species continue and change?” I then divided the essential question into sub questions that will gradually answer this question. So read on to learn some more.

what is dna and how is it like computer software?

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the chain inside every organism that stores and transmits the genetic information that tells cells which proteins to make and when to make them.

here is a picture of Dna molecules

http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/biology/bio4fv/page/molecular%20biology/16-05-doublehelix.jpg




what are genetics & how do the result in predictable patterns

Genetics are the traits passed from parents to offspring. There are two types of genes. Dominant genes and recessive genes. The way genes work is if both parents have a recessive gene the offspring may receive that gene. If one or both parents have a dominant gene, the offspring will most likely receive that gene.

How do cells make copies?

DNA copies itself by split ing into two parts. RNA is made from DNA in a process called transcription.

DNA replication rules

1) Cytosine bonds with guanine-parts of DNA strand2) Adenine bonds with tymine-also parts of DNA strand

Transcription process

First, RNA polymerase, the primary transcription enzyme, synthesis.Next RNA copies specific sequences of DNA.Then, polymerase initiates RNA transcription by binding regions of DNA called promoters. This step marks the beginning of the DNA chain.

Steps of transcription cont.

In eukaryotes, this marks a single gene. In prokaryotes, the marks several functionally related genes. When polymerase bind the DNA molecule separates. Only one separated chain called the template is used for transcription.Next, Polymerase attaches to the first nucleotide of the template chain.

Steps of transcription cont.

It then begins adding nucleotides to the forming RNA molecule. The rules are the same as in DNA replication.Transcription then continues until polymerase reaches specific signal that marks the end of a gene in eukaryotes & may mark the end of several functionally related genes in prokaryotes.

Heres a picture of rna transcription

http://library.thinkquest.org/C0123260/basic%20knowledge/images/basic%20knowledge/RNA/transcription.jpg




What is sexual reproduction?

Sexual Reproduction is the production of offspring form the combination of genetic material for two parent organisms.

What is asexual reproduction?

Asexual reproduction it the production of offspring that does not involve the union of gametes.

HOw does environment influence genes?

As the environment changes so do genes. For example if it suddenly gets colder animals will begin to pass on traits of warmer coats. The changes of these genes are called evolution.

how does knowledge of dna help society?

Learning about DNA helps us learn about diseases and how we can prevent them. We now know about mutations, genetic errors in DNA, so there is hope that we can now find a cure.Another way DNA technology is used is an example comes from the past. While at the King Tut exhibit at the Denver Art museum, I learned that by taking DNA samples from the bones, scientist can now compare mol-aria for ancient Egypt to mol-aria now, which could lead to a cure.

DNA technology cont.

Another way DNA technology is used to to identify a person. Another fact I had learned at the King Tut exhibit at the Denver Art Museum was that there was once a question of whether Tutankhamun was really the son of the previous Pharaoh. Through DNA testing, scientists were able to confirm that he really was the son of the previous Pharaoh in Egypt.

Scientists taking Dna samples of preserved person to study diseases

http://www.independent.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00424/24neweur2_424224b.jpg



Conclusion

These are the DNA basics and what it could be used for. Thank you for watching this presentation.

Bibliography

Modern Biology, Unit 3, pages 162-257




King Tut Exhibit- Tutankhamun the Golden King and Great Pharaohs at the Denver Art Museum, October 16, 2010

Music from the album: Tutankhamun and the Gold Age of the Pharohs. The song is called Tutankhamun





Documents

Dna & Genetics: the building blocks of life Ariel white period 2 biology