Content Objective: Understand the structure and function of nucleic acids, focusing on DNA as the genetic material of living organisms and RNA in some viruses. Explore nucleotide composition, sugar-phosphate bonding, and the role of complementary base pairing in genetic replication and expression. Differentiate between DNA and RNA, their structural components, and their vast capacity for storing genetic information.
Language Objective: Use precise scientific terminology to describe nucleotide components, the sugar-phosphate backbone, and the process of complementary base pairing. Illustrate the differences between DNA and RNA and explain the universal conservation of the genetic code across all life forms.
Syllabus Details:
A1.2.1—DNA as the genetic material of all living organisms - "Some viruses use RNA as their genetic material but viruses are not considered to be living.
A1.2.2—Components of a nucleotide - "In diagrams of nucleotides use circles, pentagons and rectangles to represent relative positions of phosphates, pentose sugars and bases."
A1.2.3—Sugar–phosphate bonding and the sugar–phosphate “backbone” of DNA and RNA - "Sugar–phosphate bonding makes a continuous chain of covalently bonded atoms in each strand of DNA or RNA nucleotides, which forms a strong “backbone” in the molecule."
A1.2.4—Bases in each nucleic acid that form the basis of a code - ”Students should know the names of the nitrogenous bases.”
A1.2.6—DNA as a double helix made of two antiparallel strands of nucleotides with two strands linked by hydrogen bonding between complementary base pairs - "In diagrams of DNA structure, students should draw the two strands antiparallel, but are not required to draw the helical shape. Students should show adenine (A) paired with thymine (T), and guanine (G) paired with cytosine (C). Students are not required to memorize the relative lengths of the purine and pyrimidine bases, or the numbers of hydrogen bonds."
A1.2.8—Role of complementary base pairing in allowing genetic information to be replicated and expressed - Students should understand that complementarity is based on hydrogen bonding.
A1.2.5—RNA as a polymer formed by condensation of nucleotide monomers - "Students should be able to draw and recognize diagrams of the structure of single nucleotides and RNA polymers."
A1.2.7—Differences between DNA and RNA - "Include the number of strands present, the types of nitrogenous bases and the type of pentose sugar. Students should be able to sketch the distinction between ribose and deoxyribose. Students should be familiar with examples of nucleic acids."
A1.2.9—Diversity of possible DNA base sequences and the limitless capacity of DNA for storing information - "Explain that diversity by any length of DNA molecule and any base sequence is possible. Emphasize the enormous capacity of DNA for storing data with great economy."
A1.2.10—Conservation of the genetic code across all life forms as evidence of universal common ancestry. Students are not required to memorize any specific examples of variations.
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