Unit 8: DNA and rna

Learning Focus:

Unit Overview: Students will learn about the nature of the relationships between structures and functions in living cells. Students will also learn how genetic information is expressed in cells.

DNA, RNA, nucleotide, double helix, deoxyribose sugar, ribose sugar, ATP, nucleic acid, nucleus, nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine) Chargaff’s Rules (base pair rules)

Standard(s): SB1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze the nature of the relationships between structures and functions in living cells. 

SB1c: Construct arguments supported by evidence to relate the structure of macromolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids) to their interactions in carrying out cellular processes.

Standard(s):  SB2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze how genetic information is expressed in cells. 

SB2a. Construct an explanation of how the structures of DNA and RNA lead to the expression of information within the cell via the processes of replication, transcription, and translation

Standard(s): SB2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze how genetic information is expressed in cells. 

SB2a. Construct an explanation of how the structures of DNA and RNA lead to the expression of information within the cell via the processes of replication, transcription, and translation. 

Standard(s): SB2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze how genetic information is expressed in cells.

SB2b - Construct an argument based on evidence to support the claim that inheritable genetic variations may result from:

• New genetic combinations through meiosis (crossing over, nondisjunction);

• Non-lethal errors occurring during replication (insertions, deletions, substitutions); and/or

• Heritable mutations caused by environmental factors (radiation, chemicals, and viruses)