Name _____________________________________________ Period ______

Mitosis Lab

Introduction

Mitosis can be observed in cells that are in a state of growth. In this lab, you will observe both plant and

animal cells, identify which stage of cell division the cells are in. You will also determine how much time is

spent in each stage of the cell cycle.

Procedure

1) Go to my Online Classroom and click on the Mitosis Lab link.

2) Click on “Click to View Whitefish Embryo.” Then click on the first image to enlarge it.

3) Draw an illustration of highlighted cell in Data Table 1.

4) Using the reference images, label your drawing as either interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, or

telophase.

5) Repeat step 3 and 4 for the second, third, and fourth images.

6) Click on “Start Page.” Then choose “Click to View Onion Root Tip.”

7) Click on the first image.

8) Draw an illustration of the highlighted cell in Data Table 1 and label your drawing as either interphase,

prophase, metaphase, anaphase, or telophase. Then click the Back button.

9) Repeat step 8 for the second, third, fourth, and fifth images.

10) A wider sample of the onion root tip was looked at and the total number of each phase was counted.

These values are in Data Table 2. Using the formula below, calculate the percentage of cells in each

phase and these numbers in Data Table 2:

𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 = 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒

𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝑥 100

Data/Results

Data Table 1:

Onion Root-tip Whitefish Blastula

Image 1

Image 2

Image 3

Image 4

Image 5

Data Table 2:

Phases Number of Cells Percentage

Interphase 20

Prophase 10

Metaphase 3

Anaphase 2

Telophase 1

Total 36 100%

Postlab Questions

1) Which stage of mitosis is the easiest (in your opinion) to identify? Why?

2) Which stage of mitosis is the hardest (in your opinion) to identify? Why?

3) How does mitosis differ from a plant cell to an animal cell?

4) Based on your data, which phase had the largest percentage of cells? The smallest percentage?

5) A chemical company is testing a new product that it believes will increase the growth rate of food

plants. Suppose you are able to view the slides of onion root tips that have been treated with the product.

If the product is successful, how might the slides look different from the slides you viewed in this lab?

DNA & Its Replication

Deoxyribonucleic Acid

o Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)—molecule that stores

________________________________________ in all organisms

o Composed of _______________________, which has three parts:

Phosphate group

Deoxyribose sugar

Nitrogen-containing base

Nucleotides

o ______________ different nucleotides

Differ based on the __________________________________

Discovery of Genetic Material

o Frederick Griffin

Concluded mystery material is “________________________________”

o Oswald Avery

Isolated “transforming principle”

Tests showed that DNA is genetic material

o Alfred Hershey & Martha Chase

Clarified Avery’s experiment

Showed that genetic material is _________________________________

Discovery of DNA’s Structure

o Erwin Chargaff

Relationship between nitrogen bases

o Rosalind Franklin

X-ray evidence of double helix

o Watson & Crick

Double Helix

o Double helix—model of DNA in which two strands wind around each other like a

twisted ladder

“Sides” are made up of alternating _______________________________

(sugar) molecules

“Rungs” are made up of _________________________________

Pairing of Nitrogen Bases

o ______________ (A) pairs with thymine (T)

o Cytosine (C) pairs with ________________ (G)

DNA Replication

o DNA Replication—the process by which _____________________ during the

cell cycle

Copy needed for cell reproduction

Each new cell will have an _______________ of the original DNA

Occurs during _____________ of cell cycle

o Enzymes unzip the double helix so that two strands of DNA are separated and

individual nucleotides are exposed

Area known as origin of replication

o DNA polymerase—a group of enzymes that

_______________________________________________________________

Adds free floating nucleotides to create new strand of DNA

____________________________ to original strand

o Two identical DNA molecules are created

Each molecule has

____________________________________________________________

Considered ____________________________________

Name ________________________________________________ Period ______

DNA Stations

In this activity you will work through three different stations to learn about the structure of DNA,

simulate how DNA replicates, and isolate your own DNA.

Station #1: DNA Structure Coloring

Complete the DNA sequence on the molecule below (remember A pairs with T and G pairs with

C). Then color the following components of the structure:

Phosphates (P)

Deoxyriboses (D)

Adenine (A)

Thymine (T)

Guanine (G)

Cytosine (C)

Hydrogen bonds

A

C

T

G

A

G

G

A

C

C

G

Station #2: DNA Replication Simulation

Using the sample of DNA on the left,

(a) Rewrite the Original Strand 1 in the middle column.

(b) Rewrite the Original Strand 2 in the right column.

(c) Write the new strand in each the middle and right columns (remember A pairs with T and

G pairs with C).

Original

DNA

Strand 1

Original

DNA

Strand 2

→

Original

DNA Strand

1

New DNA

Strand

+

New DNA

Strand

Original

DNA

Strand 2

T A

A T

A T

T A

G C

T A

C G

G C

A T

C G

C G

G C

C G

T A

G C

G C

T A

C G

C G

A T

A T

G C

T A

C G

C G

T A

T A

T A

G C

A T

Using the above model of DNA replication, explain why DNA replication is described as

semiconservative.

Station #3: Isolating Your DNA

1) Get about 5 mL of clear Gatorade in a dixie cup. Then swish the clear Gatorade around in

your mouth for about 30 seconds.

2) Spit the solution back into the Dixie cup.

3) Add ~2 mL of soap (two squirts of the plastic pipet) into the cup carefully. Try not to

make any bubbles.

4) Gently mix the Gatorade-soap solution for 2-3 minutes. Again try not to make any

bubbles. What do your solution look like?

5) Tilt your Dixie cup slightly and carefully add ~8 mL of cold rubbing alcohol. There

should be two layers in the Dixie cup. Make sure not to mix these layers.

6) Let the solution sit for 1-2 minutes.

7) While the solution is sitting, get a microcentrifuge tube and fill it about ½ full with cold

rubbing alcohol.

8) You should see a white substance on the top layer; this is your DNA. Use a toothpick to

spool the DNA.

9) Once you have gotten most of the DNA around the toothpick, gently swirl the toothpick

in the microcentrifuge tube filled with rubbing alcohol to transfer the DNA.

10) Close the lid of the microcentrifuge tube. Get a piece of string and tie it around the lid of

the microcentrifuge tube. You now have a necklace of your own DNA.

11) Answer the following questions:

(a) Are you looking at a single strand of DNA? Why or why not?

(b) Soap was used to break apart the cell membrane of your cheek cells. Why does this

need to be done?

(c) Why would you need to extract human DNA? Give at least two reasons and/or

examples.

Deoxyribonucleic acid molecule that stores genetic

information in all organisms

DNA replication the process by which DNA is

copied during the cell cycle

DNA polymerase a group of enzymes that bound

the new nucleotides together

Gene

a piece of DNA that provides a

set of instructions to a cell to

make a certain protein

Ribonucleic acid

nucleic acid molecule that allows

for the transmission of genetic

material information and protein

synthesis

Messenger RNA

form of RNA that carries genetic

information from the nucleus to

the ribosome, serving as a

template

Transfer RNA form of RNA that brings amino

acids to ribosomes

Ribosomal RNA

RNA in the ribosome which helps

join mRNA and tRNA to make

proteins

Transcription

the process of copying a sequence

of DNA to produce a

complementary strand of RNA

RNA polymerase

enzymes that bond nucleotides

together in a chain to make a new

RNA molecule

Translation process that converts an mRNA

message into a protein

Codon a three-nucleotide sequence that

codes for an amino acid

Anticodon a set of three nucleotides that is

complementary to an mRNA

codon

Exon nucleotide segments that code for

parts of a protein

Intron nucleotide segments that

intervene between exons

Biotechnology use and application of living

things and biological processes

Genetic engineering

the changing of an organism’s

DNA to give an organism new

traits

Recombinant DNA DNA that contains genes from

more than one organism

Restriction enzyme

an enzyme that cuts DNA

molecules at a specific nucleotide

sequence

Plasmid

closed loops of DNA that are

separate from the bacterial

chromosome and that replicate on

their own within the cell

Clone a genetically identical copy of a

gene or of an organism

Polymerase chain reaction

a technique that produces millions

or billions of copies of a specific

DNA sequence in just hours

DNA fingerprint

a representation of parts of an

individual’s DNA that can be

used to identify a person at the

molecular level

Gene sequencing

determining the order of DNA

nucleotides in genes or in

genomes

Gene therapy

the replacement of a defective or

missing gene, or the addition of a

new gene, into a person’s genome

to treat a disease

Name _____________________________________________________ Period ______

From DNA to Protein Vocabulary Preview

Matching

Match the following terms with the appropriate definitions:

(a) Anticodon

(b) Biotechnology

(c) Clone

(d) Codon

(e) Deoxyribonucleic acid

(f) DNA fingerprint

(g) DNA polymerase

(h) DNA Replication

(i) Exon

(j) Gene

(k) Gene sequencing

(l) Gene therapy

(m) Genetic engineering

(n) Intron

(o) Messenger RNA

(p) Plasmid

(q) Polymerase chain reaction

(r) Restriction enzyme

(s) Ribonucleic acid

(t) Ribosomal RNA

(u) RNA polymerase

(v) Transcription

(w) Transfer RNA

(x) Translation

1) closed loops of DNA that are separate from the bacterial chromosome and that replicate on their own

within the cell

2) a genetically identical copy of a gene or of an organism

3) a technique that produces millions or billions of copies of a specific DNA sequence in just hours

4) a representation of parts of an individual’s DNA that can be used to identify a person at the molecular

level

5) molecule that stores genetic information in all organisms

6) RNA in the ribosome which helps join mRNA and tRNA to make proteins

7) the process of copying a sequence of DNA to produce a complementary strand of RNA

8) an enzyme that cuts DNA molecules at a specific nucleotide sequence

9) determining the order of DNA nucleotides in genes or in genomes

10) the process by which DNA is copied during the cell cycle

11) a group of enzymes that bound the new nucleotides together

12) a piece of DNA that provides a set of instructions to a cell to make a certain protein

13) nucleic acid molecule that allows for the transmission of genetic material information and protein

synthesis

14) enzymes that bond nucleotides together in a chain to make a new RNA molecule

15) process that converts an mRNA message into a protein

16) a three-nucleotide sequence that codes for an amino acid

17) a set of three nucleotides that is complementary to an mRNA codon

18) nucleotide segments that code for parts of a protein

19) nucleotide segments that intervene between exons

20) use and application of living things and biological processes

21) the changing of an organism’s DNA to give an organism new traits

22) DNA that contains genes from more than one organism

23) form of RNA that carries genetic information from the nucleus to the ribosome, serving as a template

24) form of RNA that brings amino acids to ribosomes

25) the replacement of a defective or missing gene, or the addition of a new gene, into a person’s genome to

treat a disease

Crossword

Using the words and definitions from the

previous page, complete the following

crossword.

Across

2) determining the order of DNA

nucleotides in genes or in genomes

4) DNA that contains genes from more than

one organism

8) a set of three nucleotides that is

complementary to an mRNA codon

14) a technique that produces millions or

billions of copies of a specific DNA

sequence in just hours

15) a genetically identical copy of a gene or

of an organism

16) use and application of living things and

biological processes

18) a group of enzymes that bound the new

nucleotides together

19) nucleic acid molecule that allows for

the transmission of genetic material

information and protein synthesis

22) the process by which DNA is copied

during the cell cycle

23) form of RNA that carries genetic

information from the nucleus to the

ribosome, serving as a template

24) a three-nucleotide sequence that codes

for an amino acid

25) process that converts an mRNA

message into a protein

Down

1) an enzyme that cuts DNA molecules at a specific nucleotide sequence

3) nucleotide segments that code for parts of a protein

5) a representation of parts of an individual’s DNA that can be used to identify a person at the molecular level

6) form of RNA that brings amino acids to ribosomes

7) molecule that stores genetic information in all organisms

9) nucleotide segments that intervene between exons

10) the changing of an organism’s DNA to give an organism new traits

11) the process of copying a sequence of DNA to produce a complementary strand of RNA

12) enzymes that bond nucleotides together in a chain to make a new RNA molecule

13) a piece of DNA that provides a set of instructions to a cell to make a certain protein

17) RNA in the ribosome which helps join mRNA and tRNA to make proteins

20) closed loops of DNA that are separate from the bacterial chromosome and that replicate on their own within the cell

21) the replacement of a defective or missing gene, or the addition of a new gene, into a person’s genome to treat a

disease

Protein Synthesis & Regulation

Central Dogma

o Central dogma—theory that states information flows in one direction from

_________________________________________________

Overview of Protein Synthesis

o Function: _____________________________

Proteins have many functions (support structure, enzymes)

Workhorse of cell

Gene—a piece of DNA that provides a set of instructions to a cell to make a certain

protein

o Two steps:

Transcription (_____________________)

Translation (______________________)

RNA

o Ribonucleic acid (RNA)—nucleic acid molecule that allows for the transmission of genetic

material information and protein synthesis

Assists with protein synthesis

Three differences from DNA:

Has ______________ instead of deoxyribose as sugar

_____________________ (instead of double-stranded)

Contains _______________ (U) instead of thymine

o

Types of RNA

o Three different types involved in protein synthesis

Messenger RNA (mRNA)—form of RNA that

_____________________________________ from the nucleus to the ribosome, serving

as a template

Transfer RNA (tRNA)—form of RNA that ________________________________ to

ribosomes

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)—RNA in the ribosome which helps join mRNA and tRNA to

make proteins

Transcription

o Transcription—the process of copying a sequence of DNA to produce a complementary strand of

RNA

Similar to DNA replication

Enzymes using complementary base pairing

o RNA polymerase—enzymes that ____________________________________ in a chain to

make a new RNA molecule

Attaches to DNA at start of gene

o Starts to unzip DNA to expose nucleotides

o Complement RNA nucleotides are added together as RNA polymerase moves down one strand

of DNA

o RNA polymerases reaches the stop codon (stopping point)

____________________________, moving to cytoplasm

Translation

o Translation—process that converts an mRNA message into a protein

o

o Three steps

mRNA Sequence & Amino Acids

o Codon—a three-nucleotide sequence that _______________________________________

Found in DNA, which is than transcribed into mRNA (transcription)

o Two special codons:

Start codon—codon that signals the ________________________________; codes for

methionine

Stop codon—codon that ____________________________ of the amino acid chain

Genetic Code

o Sequence of codons dictates the order of amino acids in a protein

Genetic code chart ________________________________________________________

Translation Machinery

o Made up of three parts:

Ribosome → _____________________________________; three binding sites for tRNA

tRNA → brings the amino acid; contains anticodons to match mRNA

Anticodon—a set of three nucleotides that is

_________________________________________________________

mRNA → __________________________________________

Step #1: Initiation

o _____________________________________________ in the cytoplasm, forming translation

complex

o 1st tRNA (carrying Met) binds to mRNA in middle binding site

o Another tRNA matches up with exposed mRNA through anticodon in the last binding site

o _____________________________________ between two amino acids

Step #2: Elongation

o tRNA without amino acid leaves

o Another tRNA (matching next codon) comes in and process continues,

________________________________________________________________

o mRNA moves through ribosome (_______________________)

Step #3: Termination

o Stop codon is reached

o _________________________________, releasing mRNA and newly created protein

Gene Regulation

o Need for _______________ of what genes are _____________________ and when they are

______________

o Two methods:

Controlling transcription

Protein binds to DNA near gene, preventing transcription

Protein is released when that gene needs to be transcribed

o mRNA processing

Exon—nucleotide segments that _________________________________________

Intron—nucleotide segments that ________________________________________

All introns are removed

A cap and tail are added to mRNA before leaving nucleus

Name _________________________________________________ Period ______

Simulating Protein Synthesis

Genes are the units that determine inherited characteristics, such as hair color and blood type, along with

the structure of proteins that our cells make. The sequence of the amino acids in these proteins is decided by the

sequence of nucleotides in the DNA. In a process called transcription, which takes place in the nucleus of the

cell, messenger RNA (mRNA) reads and copies the DNA’s nucleotides sequences in the form of a

complementary RNA molecule. Then the mRNA carries this information in the form of a code to the ribosomes,

where protein synthesis takes place. The code words in mRNA, however, are not directly recognized by the

corresponding amino acids. Another type of RNA called transfer RNA (tRNA) is needed to bring the proper

amino acids; tRNAs arrive in turn and give up the amino acids they carry to the growing protein. The process

by which the information from DNA is transferred into the language of proteins is known as translation. In this

investigation, you will simulate the mechanism of protein synthesis and thereby determine the traits inherited by

fictitious organism called CHNOPS. CHNOPS, whose cells contain only one chromosome, are members of the

kingdom Animalia. A CHNOPS chromosome is made up of six genes (A, B, C, D, E, and F), each of which is

responsible for a certain trait. Then you will decipher a code in a DNA sequence to figure out the sentence in

this sequence.

CHNOPS Characteristics

Using the table below, determine the trait for each gene by:

Create the mRNA sequence using the complement base pairs (remember G pairs with C, A pairs with T,

and U pairs with A).

Then using the information in the left side of the table, figure out the amino acid sequence, based on the

mRNA sequence.

Finally identify the trait for that gene using the information in the right side of the table.

tRNA Triple Amino Acid Number Amino Acid

Sequence

Trait

UGG 20 20-11-13 Hairless

UCG 16 20-12-13 Hairy

GCU 2 20-21-21 Plump

UUG 4 13-14-15 Skinny

GCG 3 16-2 Four-legged

CCC 5 12-7-8-1 Long-nose

UCC 7 5-7-8-1 Short-nose

UUU 8 9-8 No freckles

AAA 9 9-4 Freckles

CCA 12 11-3-2 Blue skin

AUA 13 11-3-3 Orange skin

GGG 1 6-6-10 Male

UAG 6 6-6-14 Female

GAU 10

CCU 11

Gene A Gene B Gene C Gene D

DNA

Sequence ACC GGT TAT AGC CGA TTT AAC GGA CGC CGA

mRNA

Sequence

Amino Acid

Sequence

Trait

Gene E Gene F Sketch of CHNOPS

DNA

Sequence GGG AGG AAA CCC ATC ATC CTA

mRNA

Sequence

Amino Acid

Sequence

Trait

Now draw a sketch of your CHNOPS creature in the space above.

DNA Code Breaking

Pick one of the following sentences below. Using your genetic code chart, figure out the amino acid for each

codon (every group of three letters). Then use the table below to use the one letter abbreviation for the amino

acid. In the end, each DNA sequence will create a full sentence.

Amino Acid One Letter

Abbreviation Amino Acid

One Letter

Abbreviation Amino Acid

One Letter

Abbreviation

Alanine A Isoleucine I Arginine R

Cysteine C Lysine K Serine S

Aspartate D Leucine L Threonine T

Glutamate E Methionine M Valine V

Phenylalanine F Asparagine N Tryptophan W

Glycine G Proline P Tyrosine Y

Histidine H Glutamine Q Stop Space (-)

1) AGA TAC TAG GAC CTT ACT CGA TTG CTG ATT GCG CGA CTA TAA CGG TGC CTC ACT

CGG ATT AAC TAG TGC TGA AAT CTT ATT ACG GTA CTT CTC GCC ATC

2) TGC CTT TTA ATT CTF CGA ATA AGG ACT GAA CTC AAA TGT ATC TGG TAA GAC ATT

ACC CTT ACT CGG GCC CTT ATT AAG TCC CTC CTT

Name ________________________________________________ Period _____

Protein Synthesis Graphic Organizer

Protein synthesis is a complicated process that can be thought of as a story. In this story, there are two acts,

transcription and translation, with many characters. In this graphic organizer you are going to identify the major

characters and important events of both transcription and translation. Then you will color and label an

illustration of the entire process.

Major Characters: In the table below, identify what each molecule/enzyme does in protein synthesis.

DNA Sequence

RNA Polymerase

mRNA

tRNA

rRNA/Ribosome

Protein Synthesis Acts: Fill out the following information about the two stages of protein synthesis.

Act I: Transcription

Purpose

Location

Major Characters

What Happens

Act II: Translation

Purpose

Location

Major Characters

What Happens

Scene 1: Initiation

Scene 2: Elongation

Scene 3: Termination

Illustration

Write Transcription in the box on the left side of the image (X) and then write Translation in the box on the

right side of the image (X). Color the following important components of the protein synthesis process:

Thymine =

Adenine =

Guanine =

Cytosine =

Uracil =

the strand of DNA (D)

the strand of RNA (R)

the nuclear membrane

(E)

Ribosome (Y)

Transfer RNA (F)

Amino acids (M)

Biotechnology

Biotechnology

o Biotechnology—use and application of living things and biological processes

o Found in many fields: ___________________________________________________________

o Five major applications

Genetic Engineering

o Genetic engineering—the changing of an organism’s DNA to give an organism new traits

o Uses recombinant DNA (DNA that contains

________________________________________________________)

Created from the use of restriction enzymes and plasmids

Restriction Enzymes

o Restriction enzyme—an enzyme that cuts DNA molecules at a

_________________________________________________

o Cut different DNA in different places

o Can leave either “_____________” ends (which are straight) or “____________” ends (which

creates pieces hanging over)

Creation of Recombinant DNA

o Plasmid—closed loops of DNA that are separate from the bacterial chromosome and that

replicate on their own within the cell

o Both ______________________________ cut by restriction enzyme, leaving sticky ends

o Sticky ends connect together

Application of Genetic Engineering

o Recombinant DNA placed in bacteria ____________________________________________

(i.e. insulin, human growth hormone)

o Bacteria containing recombinant DNA infect plants, which then express new gene

Considered ______________________________

o Transgenic—an organism that has one or more genes from another organism inserted into its

genome

Bacteria & plants

o Concerns

Possible long-term side effects of eating genetically modified food

Cloning

o Clone—a __________________________________________ of a gene or of an organism

o Common in nature:

o Artificial cloning

o Benefits

Organs for transplant into humans

Save endangered species

o Concerns

Low success rate

Clones “imperfect” and less

healthy

Decreased biodiversity

PCR

o Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)—a technique that ____________________________________

of a specific DNA sequence in just hours

Models _____________________________

o Uses primers (short segment of DNA that acts as the __________________________________)

o Needs DNA polymerase, DNA sequence, nucleotides and two primers

DNA Fingerprinting

o DNA fingerprint—a representation of parts of an individual’s DNA that can be used to identify a

person at the molecular level

o DNA digested with restriction enzyme and then run on a gel

o Fragments create ___________________________________________

Gel Electrophoresis

o Gel electrophoresis—a separation technique where an ____________________________ is used

to separate a mixture of DNA fragments from each other

o Smaller fragments ________________________________________ than larger fragments

Application of DNA Fingerprinting

o Used mostly for identification

Studying biodiversity

Tracking genetically

modified crops

o Based on probability of someone have similar sequence

Often 1 in millions

Gene Sequencing & Gene Therapy

o Gene sequencing—determining the ______________________________ in genes or in genomes

o Human Genome Project

Wanted to sequence all of the nucleotides in the human genome

Wished to identify all the genes in the human genome

o Gene therapy—the replacement of a defective or missing gene, or the addition of a new gene,

into a person’s genome to treat a disease

o Uses

Genetically engineered virus to “infect” cell with gene

Insert gene to stimulate immune system to attack cancer cells

o Challenges

Assessing effect of gene on target cell

Name _____________________________________________________ Period ______

Biotechnology Summary Chart

Using your Biotechnology notes, fill out the following information in the chart to summarize all

of the biotechnology techniques:

Biotechnology

Technique Definition/Purpose Application/Usage Concerns/Challenges

Genetic Engineering

Cloning

PCR

DNA Fingerprinting

Gene

Sequencing/Gene

Therapy

Name __________________________________________________ Period ______

Who Ate the Cheese?

Introduction

DNA isolation from blood, hair, skin cells, or other genetic evidence left at the scene of a crime can be compared

with the DNA of a criminal suspect to determine guilt or innocence. This is due to the fact that every person has a

different sequence. Scientists use a small number of sequences of DNA that are known to vary among individuals, and

analyze those to get a possibility of a match. DNA is isolated, amplified through PCR, cut using restriction enzymes, and

sorted by size by gel electrophoresis. Then the DNA can be analyzed through comparing it with other samples.

In this activity, you will examine crime scene evidence to determine who is responsible for eating the Queen's

special imported Lindbergher Cheese. You will amplify the collected DNA using PCR. Then you will use gel

electrophoresis to make a DNA fingerprint of each suspect, the Queen, and the DNA collected at the crime scene. Finally

to determine whom the DNA belongs to, you will then compare the DNA fingerprints.

Incident Report

Incident Data

Incident Type: Theft Complaint Status: Pending DNA results

Processed by: Chief Wiggam Other Officers: Officer Li Gase

Property

Property Code: Rare cheese Owner's Name: Queen Elizabeth

Name: Lindbergher Value: $12,000

Burglary Data

Method of Entry: Unknown, no evidence of force on doors or windows.

Narrative: The cheese was allegedly stolen from the Queen's sitting room the night before the grand ball. The cheese was

listed as a gift from the Manchurian diplomat. Officer Li Gase dusted for fingerprints and found none on the table or

doors, the maid claimed that they had been wiped clean earlier. The wheel of cheese was on a platform in the sitting room,

and half of it had been eaten. We took pictures of the half eaten cheese and sent it to the lab for further tests. Edna N.

Zime, the lab technician said that saliva samples could be taken from the teeth imprints of the cheese that was left behind.

Suspect Data

Suspect Number 1

Name: Electra Foresis

Description of Suspicion: Electra was recently involved in a relationship with the Manchurian diplomat that sources say

ended badly. Her motive may have been to sabotage the diplomat's gift to the Queen.

Suspect Number 2

Name: Gene Tics

Description of Suspicion: Gene is the leader of the local Cheese-Makers Guild, he may not have wished for Queen

Elizabeth to have cheese from anywhere but his own guild.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Using the PCR simulation (http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/pcr/), you will investigate the process

of PCR. Then answer the following questions, using information you have learned from the simulation.

1) What does PCR do?

2) Explain at least one advantage of PCR.

3) What are the ingredients needed for PCR?

4) What is the purpose of a primer?

5) What is the purpose of DNA polymerase?

6) What role does the Thermal Cycler play in PCR?

7) PCR has three steps. Describe what happens at each temperature in cycle #1:

(a) 95°C →

(b) 50°C →

(c) 72°C →

8) What happens in the Thermal Cycler moves from cycle #1 to cycle #30?

Gel Electrophoresis

In gel electrophoresis, DNA is placed in a gel and an electrical charge is applied to the gel. The positive charge is

at the top and the negative charge is at the bottom. Because DNA has a slightly negative charge, the pieces of DNA will

be attracted to the bottom. The smaller pieces move more quickly towards the bottom than the larger pieces. Using the Gel

Electrophoresis virtual lab (http://www.classzone.com/cz/books/bio_07/ book_home.htm?state=GA), you will creates a

DNA fingerprint of each DNA sample, which can be used to identify the suspect.

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/pcr/http://www.classzone.com/cz/books/bio_07/%20book_home.htm?state=GA

1) Draw the gel below with the different size bands labeled.

2) Using the information in the gel and in the introduction, identify the suspect and give a possible

motive.

3) Why is the largest DNA fragment band found closest to the positive end of the gel?

4) What would happen if the electrodes were plugged into the wrong outlets?

5) Why is DNA fingerprinting more conclusive when proving a person’s innocence rather than their

guilt?

Name __________________________________________________________ Period ____

From DNA to Protein Review Questions

1) Draw a nucleotide and label the three parts.

2) What are the four different nucleotides found in DNA?

3) What nucleotides pairs with T? With C?

4) Draw a DNA double helix and label the sugar-phosphate backbone, the bases, and the hydrogen bonds.

5) Explain how the DNA double helix is similar to a ladder or a spiral staircase.

6) What is DNA replication? Where does it take place?

7) When is DNA replicated during the cell cycle? Why does DNA replication need to occur?

8) Summarize the key points of DNA replication. What role does DNA polymerase play in DNA

replication?

9) If one strand of DNA has the sequence TAGGTAC, what would be the sequence of the complementary

DNA strand?

10) What must be broken for the DNA strand to separate?

11) Why is DNA replication called

semiconservative?

12) The diagram on the right shows the

central dogma:

(a) What does the diagram show?

(b) Label where the following

belong on the diagram:

translation, DNA replication,

transcription.

13) Fill in the table below to contrast

DNA and RNA:

DNA RNA

Contains the sugar deoxyribose

Has the bases A, C, G, and U

Typically double-stranded

14) Give the basic function of each type of RNA:

(a) mRNA

(b) rRNA

(c) tRNA

15) What is the purpose of transcription? Where does it take place?

16) Summarize the key points of transcription. What enzyme helps make a strand of mRNA?

17) List two ways that transcription and DNA replication are similar and two ways they are different.

18) What is the purpose of translation? Where does it take place?

19) What happens in each stage of translation: initiation, elongation, and termination?

20) What is a codon? What are the two special types of codon?

21) Give the amino acid or codon for each of the following:

(a) AGA

(b) UAG

DNA

RNA

Protein

(c) Tryptophan (Trp)

(d) Methionine (Met)

22) What is a set of three nucleotides on a tRNA molecule that is complementary to an mRNA codon?

23) For the DNA sequence (ATG CCA GTC ATC), give the mRNA strand and amino acid sequence.

24) What is the difference between an exon and an intron?

25) The diagram below represents unprocessed and processed mRNA in a eukaryotic cell.

(a) Using the diagram as a reference, fill in the legend with the corresponding element: cap, exon,

intron, and tail.

(b) Explain the difference between the unprocessed and processed mRNA.

26) What is a restriction enzyme? What is the difference between blunt ends and sticky ends?

27) What is the purpose of gel electrophoresis? How is it used with the results of restriction enzymes?

28) What is the purpose of polymerase chain reaction? What four materials are needed for PCR?

29) What is a DNA fingerprint?

30) Local police have collected evidence from a recent crime

scene and three suspects. Based on the image at the right,

identify who the suspect is and explain why.

31) What is genetic engineering?

32) What is recombinant DNA and how is it made using

restriction enzymes and plasmids?

33) What is gene therapy and how might it be used as a

treatment for cancer or for genetic disorders?