Carry out a genetic variation investigation INVESTIGATE! Carry out a genetic variation investigation

What is this? Does Anyone know what this is? DNA. It is a long molecule that encodes our genetic instructions. It is found in most of our cells. DNA has a distinctive double helix shape, like a twisted ladder. Two strands of DNA are twisted together into the double helix shape. The rungs on the DNA ladder are called base pairs: these do the important job of being the instructions. What does DNA stand for? (click for next slide)

DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID DNA DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID

DNA’s CODE A C T G T G A C DNA contains the instructions for making all living things. Made up of four chemical letters, A, C, G, and T, DNA has very loyal base pairs: A always pairs with T C always pairs with G The order or sequence in which the A,C,T and Gs lie provide instructions or code for the cell to make chemicals that your body needs to survive. the sequence of DNA letters can also influence our appearance such as our eye colour and hair colour. A specific section of DNA that provides instructions to the cell is called a gene.

Sometimes there are changes in the DNA Sometime the letters in our DNA can change, this can change the instructions sent to the cell.  For example a change in one DNA letter can make the difference between whether someone has dry ear wax or sticky earwax! These differences are known as variation. A G C T

What makes us similar or different? Look at each other. Discuss what make you similar and what makes you different. Differences in DNA can make us look different for example – different hair colour, different eye colour, different skin colour. Shutterstock

WHO ARE WE MOST SIMILAR TO? DNA is passed down from generation to generation. We inherit our DNA from our parents, so often we can look very similar to our mum or dad, or grandma or grandad. For example you may have your mums eyes or your dads nose? What features do you share with your family? Shutterstock

LET’S INVESTIGATE VARIATION There are number of physical characteristics that make us different, this is known as variation. This activity will enable you to explore different characteristics, who has them and who doesn’t and whether DNA plays a role in this.