Genetics January 13, 2014 Lesson 1

NGSS LS1.A: Structure and Function All cells contain genetic information in the form of DNA molecules. Genes are regions in the DNA that contain the instructions that code for the formation of proteins.

NGSS LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits Each chromosome consists of a single very long DNA molecule, and each gene on the chromosome is a particular segment of that DNA. The instructions for forming species’ characteristics are carried in DNA. All cells in an organism have the same genetic content, but the genes used (expressed) by the cell may be regulated in different ways. Not all DNA codes for a protein; some segments of DNA are involved in regulatory or structural functions, and some have no as-yet known function.

What do you see?

What are Chromosomes? Chromosomes are collections of genetic material located in the cell nucleus Chromosomes consist of coding and non-coding regions Coding regions include genes, along with regulatory elements that control gene expression Genes code for RNA which codes for protein

Key Vocabulary DNA Replication Mitosis Meiosis Template Nucleotides Transcription mRNA Nucleus Ribosomes Protein Adenine Guanine Cytosine Thymine Uracil Translation tRNA Amino acids Chromosome Chromatin Chromatid Histones Homologous Centromere

Khan Academy: Chromosomes, Chromatids, Chromatin

Your Mission Construct a model of DNA replication Must include all underlined vocabulary Model ideas: Poster Essay Creative story Short play (to be filmed) Animated (stop-motion, comic, other?)

Resources / Due Date Use all resources available in the classroom Computers Textbooks Art supplies People Need something not in the classroom? Ask me! Due: Friday You will have at least 30 minutes of class time per day to work in the project