DNA Replication

Today we started into DNA replication.  We will continue to work with our DNA K'nex models tomorrow and monday.  We started the day with the following Daily Questions:

Thursday April 12^th

A. The kind of Organic molecule it is

            B.  The Sugar found in it

            C.  The Nitrogen bases that make it up

(Use the above to answer the two questions below)

The “D” of DNA stands for which part?  B - The kind of sugar found in it (remember - the D stands for deoxyribose which is the 5 carbon sugar found in the backbone of the molecule)         

The “NA” part of DNA stands for which part? A.  The kind of organic molecule it is.   (NA stands for Nucleic Acid which is an organic molecule)

*Before a cell can go through division what two things has to happen to the DNA?

First it COPIES itself and then condenses.  (Today we got in to the Copying part of this)

After that most classes got through most of the notes that are posted on Edline of DNA replication.

I mentioned WHY you would even care about this!?!?!?  Just like with cell division (mitosis) the process itself seemed "dumb" to learn but...... then we talked about when cell division goes WRONG and we end up with Cancer.  Same applies here.  Understanding the structure of DNA and how it replicates seems "boring" right now.... but this will lead into a much more interesting and relevant topic of when DNA replication goes WRONG.  This is how we get mutations and we have already talked about what the effects of those can be.  So hold on... this will all start to make sense soon!!!

ALSO:  My plan is for next week to extract DNA from Strawberries.  Like the Egg lab, this is usually a class favorite.  Here is your incentive!!  You will ONLY be able to participate in the lab if you receive a B or higher on the next Open notes quiz!!  That SHOULDN'T be a problem if you are keeping up with class!!!

DON'T FORGET Our DQQ tomorrow!!!!