1. Cornell Notes

2. Essential Questions (Eqs) 1) What is DNA? 2) What is the function and importance of DNA for all organisms? 3) What is the basic structure of DNA?

3. What is DNA? DNA: DeoxyriboNucleic Acid It is an important biological molecule (MacroMolecule). It contains the biological instructions that make each species & individual unique.

4. Where is DNA Found? Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (on chromosomes), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria.

5. What is the Function of DNA? DNA carries the informational codes needed for our bodies to develop and function. DNA is the blueprint of life! Without it, we don’t exist. This DNA code is copied (replicated) over and over again by our cells. Blends of genetic codes are also passed down from parents to offspring. More than 99% of your DNA is the same as the person sitting next to you. That less than 1% that is different provides the variation between you and your friend.

6. What is the Structure of DNA? DNA consists of molecules that are arranged into a ladder-like structure called a Double Helix. A molecule of DNA is made up of millions of tiny subunits called Nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of: 1. Phosphate group 2. Pentose sugar 3. Nitrogenous base

7. Draw a Nucleotide: Phosphate Pentose Sugar Nitrogenous Base

9. What forms the backbone of DNA? A phosphate and sugar molecule form the “backbone” of the DNA molecule, whereas the bases form the middle steps.

10. What are the 4 bases? A Adenine T Thymine G Guanine C Cytosine

11. How do the Bases pair? Each base will only bond with one other specific base. Adenine (A) Thymine (T) Cytosine (C) Guanine (G) Form a base pair.

13. How can you determine the sequence of the bases? The order of the bases in one strand determines the order of the bases in the other strand because they only pair with one other specific base.

14. G G A T T A A C T G C A T C

15. How do you “read” DNA? To crack the genetic code found in DNA we need to look at the sequence of bases. The bases are arranged in triplets called codons. A G G - C T C - A A G - T C C - T A G T C C - G A G - T T C - A G G - A T C

17. Why is DNA Important? DNA is what makes you unique and alive. DNA is what tells your cells how to function. DNA carries the genetic information passed from adult organisms to their offspring.

18. How does DNA give us our traits? Specific Sections of DNA are called genes. A gene is a section of DNA that codes for a protein. Each gene has a unique sequence of bases. This unique sequence of bases will code for the production of a specific protein. It is these proteins and combination of proteins that give organisms their uniqueness.

19. Protein DNA Gene Trait

20. Write a Summary & Include the Following Information : What is DNA & why is it important (Function)? Explain what DNA is made of & draw or describe what DNA looks like (Structure).

21. Videos: Stated Clearly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy8dk5iS1f0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwibgNGe4aY Stated Clearly w Spanish translation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGJiUUJN_64 Amoeba Sisters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_POdWsii7AI