Chapter 6
Properties of DNA
Genetics and DNA: Introduction
In, Chapter 5 we studied how traits are passed from parent to offspring (heredity).
In Chapter 6, we will study the form and structure of DNA as well as its properties.
Are DNA and heredity related? If so, how? On the next slide are a few questions to
gauge your understanding of DNA.
Genetics and DNA: Introduction
1) What is DNA? 2) What is genetics? 3) How are DNA and Genetics related? 4) Where is DNA located in cells? 5) Do all cells have DNA. If not, what type
of cells do have DNA?
Genetics and DNA: Introduction
6) How is DNA packaged differently in eukaryotes and prokaryotes?
7) What is the function of DNA? 8) How does DNA related to traits? 9) How is DNA related to chromosomes? 10) How to chromosomes relate to
heredity?
Complete the Following Cross: Review In beagles, short hair is dominant over
long hair. Cross a homozygous dominant beagle with a heterozygous beagle. Answer the following after your cross:Offspring Genotype (%):Offspring Phenotype (%):Offspring Ratio (%):
Complete the Following Cross: Review Pick any 2 offspring from the last slide and
complete a cross. Dominant and recessive traits remain the same.Offspring Genotype (%):Offspring Phenotype (%):Offspring Ratio (%):
Complete the Following Cross: Review In lilies, white flower color is dominant over
yellow flower color. Cross 2 heterozygous lilies. Answer the following after your cross:Offspring Genotype (%):Offspring Phenotype (%):Offspring Ratio (%):
Complete the Following Cross: Review Pick any 2 offspring from the last slide and
make a cross. Dominant and recessive traits remain the same.Offspring Genotype (%):Offspring Phenotype (%):Offspring Ratio (%):
Section 1: Objectives
List 3 important events that led to understanding the structure of DNA.
Describe the basic structure of a DNA molecule.
Explain Chargaff’s Rules for DNA.
Discovering DNA
For many years, DNA’s structure was a mystery.
It wasn’t until the 1950s that DNA’s structure was finally discovered.
These scientists later won the Nobel prize for this discovery.
Discovering DNA
Inherited characteristics are determined by genes.
Genes are passed from one generation to the next.
Genes are part of chromosomes, which are structures in the nucleus.
Chromosomes are made of proteins and DNA.
Discovering DNA
Scientists knew DNA must be able to:Give instructions for building/maintaining cellsBe copied
Why is it important for DNA to be copied each time a cell divides?
What is the name of this process?
Discovering DNA
DNA is made of subunits called nucleotides.
A nucleotide consists of:SugarPhosphate Base
Discovering DNA
The nucleotides are identical; except for the base.
The 4 bases are:Adenine (A)Guanine (G)Cytosine (C)Thymine (T)
Discovering DNA
In the 1950s, Edwin Chargaff did some research on DNA and nucleotides.
He found that the amount of (A) = (T) and (G) = (C).
At the time, no one knew the importance of these discoveries.
Later, they helped scientists discover the structure of DNA.
Discovering DNA
More clues about the structure of DNA came from Britain.
Rosalind Franklin was able to make images of DNA molecules.
She used a process called X-ray diffraction to do this.
Discovering DNA
After seeing, Franklin’s images, Watson and Crick concluded that DNA must be shaped like a twisted ladder.
They later built a model which was nicknamed the “double helix.”
This model eventually helped explain how DNA is copied and how it functions in the cell.
Chapter 6 Sec. 1 Pop Quiz
1) When was the structure of DNA discovered?
2) What are inherited characteristics determined by?
3) What 2 things did scientists know that DNA must be able to do?
Chapter 6 Sec. 1 Pop Quiz
4) What 3 things does a nucleotide consist of? 5) List the 4 bases of DNA. 6) What did Chargaff discover about DNA? 7)What contribution did Franklin make to the
discovery of DNA? 8) What did Watson and Crick nickname the
structure of DNA?
Section 1: Objectives
1) Describe the basic structure of DNA
2) Explain Chargaff’s Rules for DNA
DNA’s Double Helix
The 2 sides of the ladder are made up of alternating sugars and phosphates.
The steps are made up of bases. Adenine pairs with thymine and guanine
pairs with cytosine. Watson and Crick based their model off
Chargaff’s observations. (A=T and C=G)
DNA’s Double Helix
Copying DNA is known as “replication.” Each base always bonds with its
“complimentary” base.For example: A will bond with T and C will
bond with G.What bases would bond with the following
DNA sequence: CGAC?
DNA’s Double Helix
During replication, DNA is split down the middle.
The bases on each side of the molecule serve as a pattern for the new strand.
New bases pair with the old bases. The end result is 2 DNA strands: 1 new
and 1 old.
DNA’s Double Helix
DNA is copied every time a cell divides. Each new cell gets a complete copy of all
DNA. Proteins in the cell play a major role in
DNA replication:UnwindingCopyingRe-winding
Applying Chargaff’s Rules
If a molecule of DNA contains 37% Guanine, what percent Cytosine will it contain?What percent Adenine will it contain?What percent Thymine will it contain?
Applying Chargaff’s Rules
If a molecule of DNA contains 42% Adenine, what percent Thymine will it contain?What percent Guanine will it contain?What percent Cytosine will it contain?
Thinking Outside the Box
You are a scientist working at Miracle Grow Laboratories. You have been assigned to create a new formula for a Miracle Grow additive that will increase vegetable growth in gardens. You have already designed 2 new additives but are unsure which will increase vegetable growth the most.
Thinking Outside the Box
Testable Question: Which additive will increase vegetable growth the most?
Hypothesis: Educated guess Ind. Variable: Changes each test Dep. Variable: What is being measured? Controls: What stays the same each test? Results: Bar graph, line graph, pie chart
Thinking Outside the Box
You are a marine biologist working off the Gulf coast. A new species of fish has been introduced to the area. This species feeds off of algae and plankton. Your job is to study the effects of this new species of fish on the other marine life that are native to the Gulf to ensure that this species has no negative effects on the food supply.
Thinking Outside the Box
Testable Question: Will the newly introduced species have a negative effect on the food supply in the Gulf?
Hypothesis: Educated guess Ind. Variable: Changes each test Dep. Variable: What is being measured? Controls: What stays the same each test? Results: Bar graph, line graph, pie chart
Section 2: Objectives
Explain the relationship between DNA, genes, and proteins.
Outline the basic steps in making a protein.
How DNA Is Packaged
Prokaryotes: Coiled in a loop
Eukaryotes: Chromosomes in the nucleus
The structure of DNA allows it to hold information.What information does DNA contain?
Genes
A gene consists of a string of nucleotides.
These gives cells information for how to express a specific trait.
Humans have at least 30,000 genes.
Genes and Proteins
The DNA code is read like a book.
The bases form the alphabet for the code.
Groups of 3 bases are codes for amino acids.
Amino acids make up proteins.
Proteins and Traits
Proteins are found throughout cells.
They act as chemical triggers for many cellular processes.
Proteins help determine traits.
RNA
RNA is similar to DNA.
It can temporarily serve as a copy of a DNA sequence.
Contains the following bases: C,G,A, and U (Uracil)
The Making of Proteins
Step 1: Copy 1 side of a DNA segment (mRNA)
Step 2: The mRNA is fed through an assembly line 3 bases at a time
Chapter 6 Notebook Quiz
1) Chromosomes are made of _____ and ______.
2)Scientists knew DNA must be able to _____ and ______.
3) A nucleotide consists of ____, ____, and _____.
4) Chargaff found that the amount of A = ____ and the amount of _____ = G.
5) If a strand of DNA contains 30% A, what percent C,G, and T will be present?
Chapter 6 Notebook Quiz
6) Rosalind Franklin was able to make ______ of DNA molecules.
7) Watson and Crick built a model which they nicknamed the “______ ______”
8) Copying DNA is known as ______. 9) What happens to DNA during replication? 10) DNA is copied each time a _____ _____.