In this standard students are able to discover the building blocks of life. We focus on the various models of DNA to show how models sometimes change and simplify some parts in order to highlight others. Students also learn the process by which proteins are made to make traits, and through learning that process create a bracelet spelling their name in DNA.
Power Standard: Communicate how chromosomes hold genes that provide the instructions for traits of the individual, and if altered can cause mutations.
State Standards: 8.MS-LS3-1. Develop and use a model to describe that structural changes to genes (mutations) may or may not result in changes to proteins, and if there are changes to proteins there may be harmful, beneficial, or neutral changes to traits.
8.MS-LS3-3(MA). Communicate through writing and in diagrams that chromosomes contain many distinct genes and that each gene holds the instructions for the production of specific proteins, which in turn affects the traits of an individual.
What types of traits are inheritable?
How do cells make proteins to make traits?
Where and how is genetic information stored in an organism?
How do mutations happen?
DNA origami
Protein name bracelets
DNA: a molecule in the shape of a double helix. It stays in the nucleus of a cell. It has a code for traits.
RNA: a molecule in the shape of a single helix. It is a copy of a part of a DNA strand. It can travel between the nucleus and ribosomes. Bacteria (prokaryotes) only have RNA, not DNA because they don’t have a nucleus.
Genes: a chunk of DNA that codes for a protein that can cause a trait. It can also be seen as a stripe on a chromosome.
Chromosomes: Twisted up DNA in the nucleus. Humans have 23 pairs, 23 from each parent (donor).
Traits: a feature or characteristic that could be physical or behavioral. Traits can be inherited, influenced by the environment, or acquired during a lifetime.
Proteins: the building blocks of cells and cellular functions
Inherit: something passed down from parent (donor) to child (offspring). In genetics, these are traits.
Double helix: a twisted ladder shape
Amino acid: the building blocks of proteins. Produced by ribosomes from codons.
Codon: a group of 3 base pairs of RNA that code for an amino acid to be produced by a ribosome
Ribosome: an organelle that reads codons and makes amino acids
Mutation: an error in the DNA code that causes proteins to be made differently. Mutations can have positive, neutral, or negative effects.
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