1. a. Distinguish between DNA and RNA
SB2. Students will analyze how biological traits are passed on to successive generations.
a. Distinguish between DNA and RNA 1

2. LEQ1: How can we distinguish between DNA and RNA?
Unit EQ: How are biological traits passed on to successive generations?
LEQ1: How can we distinguish between DNA and RNA?

3. DNA Structure
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) structure is the same in all organisms

4. Structure of DNA
DNA is a nucleic acid composed of four types of nucleotides
DNA is made up of a two long chains of nucleotides
Each nucleotide has three parts:
Phosphate group
Deoxyribose sugar
Nitrogen-containing Base
phosphate group
deoxyribose (sugar)
nitrogen-containing
base

5. Draw a DNA nucleotide and label the three parts5

6. Structure of DNA
The nitrogen containing bases are the only differences in the four nucleotides.

7. Structure of DNA
Watson and Crick determined the three dimensional structure of DNA by building models.
They realized that DNA is:
A double chain of nucleotides
shaped like a twisted ladder or a “DOUBLE HELIX”
is made up of a sugar-phosphate backbone on the outside with bases on the inside

8. Structure of DNA Nucleotides always pair in the same way
The base-pairing rules show how nucleotides always pair up in DNA
A pairs with T
C pairs with G
Called complementary base pairing
Because a pyrimidine pairs with a purine, the helix has a uniform width C G T A

9. Structure of DNA The backbone is connected by covalent bonds
The bases are connected by hydrogen bonds.
hydrogen bond
covalent bond

10. Function of DNA Located in the nucleus
Molecule that carries the code of life
DNA contains the information that a cell needs to carry out all of its functions.
Responsible for determining traits/characteristics
Hair color, eye color, height, temperament
Inherited from 1 generation to the next

11. Function of DNA DNA is involved in the production of proteins
Each cell requires thousands of proteins to function
Each gene controls the production of a specific protein
The kind and number of proteins determines the traits an organism will posses

12. WITH A PARTNER:
Write what you think would happen if your parents passed on DNA to you that did not function properly? 12

13. Structure of RNA?
RNA is a nucleic acid composed of four types of nucleotides
Made up of single chain of nucleotides
Each nucleotide has three parts:
Phosphate group
Ribose sugar
Nitrogen-containing base
Adenine – Uracil
Cytosine - Guanine

14. Function of RNA RNA carries DNA’s instructions
Molecule that is responsible for transmitting the DNA code into proteins
Essential for protein synthesis
Located inside the nucleus, in the cytoplasm, and at the ribosome 14

15. Using the pictures below identify: 3 differences and 2 similarities between DNA and RNA

16. Both DNA and RNA are macromolecules found in living cells
Can you remember which macromolecule makes up DNA and RNA?
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Proteins
Nucleic Acids 16

17. Complete the chart Comparing the structure of DNA and RNA
_________ strand of nucleotides
____________ sugar
___________ sugar
Contains bases:
_______, _______, _______, _______ 17

18. Use the DNA sequence below to make complementary strands of DNA and RNA:
DNA: ATT CAT CCG GAT TTA ACG TAT
DNA:
RNA: 18

19. Did you know…
DNA base pairs are the “meat” of the Human Genome Project
A huge database that was started to identify all human genes.
It is used to find diseases and even some potential parents have their genes searched for bad base pairs. 19