Nucleic Acids

DNA Unit for Students

Initial knowledge audit

Nucleic acids page for biochem booklet

Lesson Topic Statement(s) and Objective(s) Activities
1 Nucleic Acids as the Genetic Material

 7.1.S1:  Analysis of results of the Hershey and Chase experiment providing evidence that DNA is the genetic material.

  • State the experimental question being tested in the Hershey and Chase experiment.

  • Explain the procedure of the Hershey and Chase experiment.

  • Explain how the results of the Hershey and Chase experiment supported the notion of nucleic acids as the genetic material.

Vision learning:  DNA as genetic material

Group review slides of Hershey-Chase

Introduction to Hershey and Chase

Hershey obit

Chase obit

Hershey and Chase handwritten Notes

Discovery of the Function of DNA

DNA Encodes Biological Information
2 Nucleotides

2.6.U1:  The nucleic acids DNA and RNA are polymers of nucleotides.

  • State the two types of nucleic acid.

  • Outline the parts of a nucleotide.

  • Identify and label carbons by number (for example, C1, C2, C3) on a nucleotide drawing.

  • Explain how nucleotides can connect to form a nucleic acid polymer.

  • State the names of the nitrogenous bases found in DNA and RNA.

  • Identify nitrogenous bases as either a pyrimidine or purine.

  • State the complementary base pairing rules.


2.6.S1:  Drawing simple diagrams of the structure of single nucleotides of DNA and RNA, using circles, pentagons, and rectangles to represent phosphates, pentoses and bases.

  • Draw the basic structure of a single nucleotide (using circle, pentagon and rectangle).

  • Draw a simple diagram of the structure of RNA.

  • Draw a simple diagram of the structure of DNA.

  • Identify and label the 5’ and 3’ ends on a DNA or RNA diagram.

Nucleotides notes

How the bases got their names

A&B:  DNA Has Four Bases. Some Viruses Swap in a Fifth.
3 DNA Structure

2.6.U3:  DNA is a double helix made of two antiparallel strands of nucleotides linked by hydrogen bonding between complementary base pairs.

  • Define antiparallel in relation to DNA structure.

  • Outline the formation of a DNA double helix by hydrogen bonding between nitrogenous bases.

  • Identify the four bases of DNA based on the numbers of rings (purines or pyrimidines) and the number of hydrogen bonds it can form.

  • State the number of nitrogenous bases per complete turn of the DNA double helix.

Vision learning:  DNA structure

DNA structure notes

DNA nucleotide gloves

DNA structure virtual cutouts

Construct a DNA model paper

Lab exchange DNA simulation

Lab exchange DNA ladder

Blank diagram for labeling

Diagram labeling notes

DNA model assignment direction

Modeling an actual sequence directions

List of genetic diseases for models

DNA model blueprint scoring

Peer scoring form

Blank score sheet

DNA model examples


4 Historical Discovery

7.1.A1:  Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins’ investigation of DNA structures by X-ray diffraction.

  • Outline the process of X-ray diffraction.

  • Outline the deductions about DNA structure made from the X-ray diffraction pattern.


7.1.NOS:  Making careful observations-Rosalind Franklin’s X-ray diffraction provided crucial evidence that DNA is a double helix.

  • Describe Rosalind Franklin’s role in the elucidation of the structure of DNA.


2.6.A1:  Crick and Watson’s elucidation of the structure of DNA using model making.

  • Outline the role of Chargaff, Watson, Crick, Franklin and Wilkins in the discovery of DNA structure.

  • Explain how Watson and Crick used model building to determine the structure of DNA.  


2.6.NOS:  Using models as representation of the real world- Crick and Watson used model making to discover the structure of DNA.

  • List types of models used in science.

  • State a common feature of models in science.

  • List ways in which models are different from the structure or process it represents.

Key scientists notes

Scientific Developments in the Discovery of DNA Structure guided questions for notes (based on Discovering the Structure guided reading by AP Rodgers)

Race for the Double Helix video

Video questions:  Secret of Photo 51

Secret of Photo 51 G-form

DNA timeline assignment

The structure of DNA (Nature)

DNA History readings questions (and answers)

Chargaff’s Ratios

Envisioning DNA reading (and questions)

Collaboration and Competition reading (and questions)

Piecing Together the Structure of DNA

Franklin Nature article (#1)

Franklin Nature article (#2)

Rosalind Franklin Biography

How X-ray diffraction works

Wilkins article

Pauling proposed structure article

Watson and Crick article (#1)

Watson and Crick article (#2)

Watson TED talk


5 DNA vs. RNA

2.6.U2:  DNA differs from RNA in the number of strands present, the base composition and the type of pentose.

  • Compare the structure of DNA and RNA.

DNA vs RNA notes
6 DNA Tech

3.5.U1:  Gel electrophoresis is used to separate proteins or fragments of DNA according to size.

  • Match restriction enzyme names to the bacteria in which they are naturally found.

  • Describe the role of restriction enzymes in nature and in biotechnology applications.

  • Contrast sticky vs. blunt ends.  

  • Determine the number and size of DNA fragments after being exposed to restriction enzymes (both linear and plasmid DNA).

  • Demonstrate accurate use of a micropipette.  

  • Explain the function and purpose of DNA electrophoresis.

  • Describe how and why DNA fragments separate during electrophoresis.

  • Outline the functions of the buffer, marker and loading dye in DNA electrophoresis.


7.1.A2:  Tandem repeats are used in DNA profiling.

  • Define VNTR.

  • Explain why VNTR are used in DNA profiling.


3.5.U3:  DNA profiling involves comparison of DNA.

  • Outline the process of DNA profiling.


3.5.A1:  Use of DNA profiling in paternity and forensic investigations.

  • List example sources of DNA that can be used in DNA profiling.


3.5.S2:  Analysis of examples of DNA profiles.

  • Analyze a DNA profile to determine relatedness or forensic guilt.

Extraction lab presentation

Extraction lab setup

Extraction lab directions

Extraction flow chart

A Twist on DNA Extraction

Virtual extraction


Restriction enzyme notes

Scitable restriction enzymes

Cut outs for restriction enzyme demo

Restriction enzyme exercises part 1

Restriction enzyme exercises part 2

Review of restriction enzymes

Handout for review of restriction enzymes

Restriction enzyme site finder challenge

Sequences for site finder challenge

Lab exchange restriction enzymes

Lab exchange restriction digest


Pipetting notes and practice lab

Pipetting worksheet

Lab exchange pipetting

A&B:  pipetting challenge

Pipette by numbers patterns


Electrophoresis notes

How electrophoresis works reading

Uses of electrophoresis

Electrophoresis review questions

VNTR and Electrophoresis video

Biology Project VNTR

Classroom electrophoresis directions

Classroom electrophoresis data

Virtual electrophoresis lab

Blank electrophoresis gel for virtual lab

DNA strips for virtual lab

Crime story lab

Biorad Directions

Crime story posters

Procedure for running gels

Lambda pre-lab

Lambda sequence

Lambda procedure

Idealized results

Qualitative analysis

Determining DNA fragment sizes

Images for statement 3.5.S2

Virtual option 1

Virtual option 2


Government monitoring article

The government wants your DNA

Identical twins rape case


Earl Washington Case Study

DNA implicates the innocent


7 Wrap Up and Review  

Final knowledge audit

Kahoot review

DNA structure review

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