DNA is an incredible molecule that forms the basis of life on Earth. DNA molecules contain instructions for
building every living organism on Earth, from the tiniest bacterium to a massive blue whale. DNA also has the
...
DNA is an incredible molecule that forms the basis of life on Earth. DNA molecules contain instructions for
building every living organism on Earth, from the tiniest bacterium to a massive blue whale. DNA also has the
ability to replicate, or make copies of itself. This allows living things to grow and reproduce.
1. Look at the DNA molecule shown at right. What does it look like?
This shape is called a double helix.
2. Based on this picture, how do you think a DNA molecule makes a copy of itself?
(Hint: Look at the bottom two “rungs” of the ladder.)
Gizmo Warm-up
The Building DNA Gizmo allows you to construct a DNA molecule and go
through the process of DNA replication. Examine the components that make up
a DNA molecule.
1. What are the two DNA components shown in the Gizmo?
2. A nucleoside has two parts: a pentagonal sugar (deoxyribose) and a
nitrogenous base (in color). When a nucleoside is joined to a phosphate, it
is called a nucleotide.
Note: The names of these nitrogenous bases are adenine (red), cytosine (yellow), guanine (blue), and
thymine (green).
Reproduction for educational use only. Public sharing or posting prohibited. © 2020 ExploreLearning™ All rights reserved
Nebby Merryan Date: December 8, 2020
The DNA looks like a spiral staircase, but colourful than a
normal one staircase
The DNA strands separates enzymes and copies each strand
using the pairing rule
Nucleosides and Phosphates
How many different nitrogenous bases do you see? 4 different nitrogenous bases
Question: What is the structure of DNA?
1. Build: Follow the steps given in the Gizmo to
construct a molecule of DNA. (Note: For simplicity,
this DNA molecule is shown in two dimensions,
without the twist.)
Stop when the hint reads: “The DNA molecule is
complete.” In the spaces at right, list the sequence
of nitrogenous bases on the left-hand side of the
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