DNA

** doing the same job as a hard drive in your computer" **
 * Essential Questions: What is the fact and fiction of the statement "DNA is like a tightly wound rubber band **

**1. What is DNA and where is it found?** =**DNA is the genetic material that carries information about an organism. It stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. **= =**It is passed from parent to offspring. The information in DNA also directs all of the cell’s functions. DNA is found in the center of the cells in your body. The chromatin in the nucleus. **= 



**2. What does it look like (its structure) and what is it made from?** **Spiral shape called a double helix and the shape can be described as twisted ladder or spiral staircase.**
 * DNA are spiral shape (twisted ladder) called a double helix and it comes in long strands called chromosomes. The sections in the DNA are chromosomes. The four nitrogen bases are cytosine, adenine, guanine, and thymine. **
 * Go to the website: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/tour/ **



**DNA3. How does DNA copy itself?**  The two sides of the DNA molecule unwind and separate. Then, the nitrogen bases pair up with the bases on each side of the DNA molecule. Then the The order of the bases in each new DNA molecule exactly matches the order in the original DNA. media type="file" key="dna-rna2.swf" align="center" width="468" height="351"

Cells are being duplicated so they can use it next time when they reproduce a whole new cell. First, the DNA unzips into two halves. Since they are two halves, they need to become a full DNA by replacing the half that was copied. This is the reason why DNA copies itself. They duplicate because in order to make new cells, they need a full set of DNA, not just halves. The DNA molecule splits down the middle, where the bases meet. The bases on each side of the molecule are used as a pattern for a new strand.

**Click Play Button to start the animation. **

**4. What are genes and where are they found? **

Chromosomes contain the recipe for making a living thing. They are found in almost every cell’s nucleus and are made from strands of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Segments of DNA called "genes" are the ingredients. Each gene adds a specific protein to the recipe. Proteins build, regulate and maintain your body. For instance, they build bones, enable muscles to move, control digestion, and keep your heart beating.

http://history.nih.gov/exhibits/genetics/sect1a.htm

