Deoxyribonucleic Acid
"Genetic Code" - the instructions for a cell
To obtain DNA from an onion cell, we have to break down 3 protective barriers in the cell.
The 3 barriers are:
1. Cell Wall - protects the plant cell, made of cellulose, found in all plant cells.
2. Cell Membrane - surrounds the cell, found in all cells.
3. Nuclear Membrane - surrounds the nucleus and holds the DNA.
To break down the cell wall, we use the blender.
To break down the cell membrane, we use dish soap and heat.
To break down the nuclear membrane, we use rubbing alcohol.
Three Important Things about DNA
1. It is found in all organisms - humans, chimpanzees, fish, birds, earthworms, onions, yeast, bacteria, and everything else alive. This shows that all life is related.
2. It has an incredibly simple structure.
The twisted ladder shape of the DNA molecule is called the "Double Helix."
Because it is so simple, it can be copied easily. And, even the simplest forms of life can make it.
3. It is an incredibly long molecule. The human DNA contains about 3 billion base pairs, or "rungs" on the ladder. Because DNA is so long, this means it can hold lots of information.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
"Genetic Code" - the instructions for a cell
To obtain DNA from an onion cell, we have to break down 3 protective barriers in the cell.
The 3 barriers are:
1. Cell Wall - protects the plant cell, made of cellulose, found in all plant cells.
2. Cell Membrane - surrounds the cell, found in all cells.
3. Nuclear Membrane - surrounds the nucleus and holds the DNA.
To break down the cell wall, we use the blender.
To break down the cell membrane, we use dish soap and heat.
To break down the nuclear membrane, we use rubbing alcohol.
Three Important Things about DNA
1. It is found in all organisms - humans, chimpanzees, fish, birds, earthworms, onions, yeast, bacteria, and everything else alive. This shows that all life is related.
2. It has an incredibly simple structure.
The twisted ladder shape of the DNA molecule is called the "Double Helix."
Because it is so simple, it can be copied easily. And, even the simplest forms of life can make it.
3. It is an incredibly long molecule. The human DNA contains about 3 billion base pairs, or "rungs" on the ladder. Because DNA is so long, this means it can hold lots of information.