Chromosomes & DNA Genetic material that codes for life
Chromosomes & DNA Objectives
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Explain what a chromosome is, where it is located in a cell, and how it is structured.
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Model the structure of the DNA macromolecule.
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Describe how the structure of DNA relates to cellular function.
Mendel described inheritance, explaining that “factors” (what we now call alleles) produced observable phenotypes like pea flower color. It would take decades and advances in microscope technology for people to observe chromosomes, the physical basis for Mendel’s factors.
This video shows the chromosomes researchers found with improved microscopes.
Multiple representations, including models, are often used to explore complex concepts.
The chromosomes we observe under the microscope are actually coiled up DNA.
Chromosomes contain DNA, and the DNA is the substance of heredity that is passed from one generation to the next by eggs and sperm.
Explaining how DNA could code for the complexity of life was one of the greatest scientific breakthroughs of the twentieth century.
Science happens in the context of society and technology. This is the first of two videos that will contextualize the discovery of DNA structure.
What did Rosalind Franklin’s work suggest about the structure of the DNA molecule?
An effective way to understand the structure of DNA is to use a model. The model does not need to be expensive or elaborate, it just need to include the key components.
Now that the structure of DNA had been determined, the next step was to figure out how the base code T-G-C-A actually related to what cells were producing.
Models are used extensively in science to represent challenging concepts. Models can reduce complexity and enable us to interact with a world that may not fit our time or physical scale.
This video gives examples of DNA models, you will be designing your own model for this guide’s first journal assignment.
Start this Guide’s first journal assignment here
Journal Page #5: DNA Model
For this assignment you are creating your own model of DNA. Your model can be two-dimensional like a sketch, three-dimensional like a sculpture (we’ve seen them in snow, jello, and even collaged leaves), or multi-media like a video. The key is to represent DNA in an original way.
Think like a teacher for this one. Imagine you are teaching about DNA and consider how you can simplify the concept into an interesting form. A model does not need to be elaborate to be effective; there are examples of everyday materials you can use on the resources page.
What you are turning in:
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Your created model of DNA. The model can be a labeled sketch, photo, video, audio, or thorough written description.
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Include a brief description of your DNA model, including why you chose this way to represent the DNA macromolecule. This can be part of what you upload, or a note in the comment box.
The next section relates chromosomes and DNA to the processes of mitosis and meiosis.
Check your knowledge. Can you:
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explain what a chromosome is, where it is located in a cell, and how it is structured?
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model the structure of the DNA macromolecule?
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describe how the structure of DNA relates to cellular function?
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Development Guide Contents
Complete all four of these sections before taking the quiz and submitting your two journal pages.
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