DNA

__** DNA **__ 1/ What does DNA stand for?

2/ What does DNA look like (what stucture does it have)? Find a picture to help you explain this

3/ What is it made from? What are the different subunits of DNA? See if you can find pictures of the different subunits.

4/ Every time a cell reproduces by mitosis the DNA in the cell is replicated. What does this mean? Find some pictures or animations to help you explain this.

5/ We have been learning about genes, e.g. the gene for hair colour in guinea pigs or seed colour in peas, or seed texture in corn. We now know that genes are made of DNA. Find a way to explain the link between the DNA that makes up a gene and the characteristic that the gene controls (hint, look up genetic code, from DNA to protein, DNA expression).

6/ What do we mean by a genetic mutation? Find some examples of human illnesses/conditions that are caused by mutations in DNA.

7/ Do you think there might be such a thing as a "good mutation". Come up with a scenario in which you could think of a DNA mutation being helpful to the organism that has it.

8/ Find and list a range of web sites (at least 5) that are useful in helping you learn about DNA and its role in genetics. Some should be animations, some should contain text, some interactive activities, some virtual experiments and some videos. For each site, list the web address and write a brief review of why you found the site useful.