Biology - HOT Science Lab

Student
Candy DNA Replication
(Adapted from Flagler Schools: http://flaglerschools.com/media/documents/68684242-948b-
4ed9-a06d-152a70ed5aa8.pdf)
NGSSS:
SC.912.L.16.3 Describe the basic process of DNA replication and how it relates to the
transmission and conservation of the genetic information. (AA)
Background Information: DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is an organic compound called a
nucleic acid. The building blocks of nucleic acids are nucleotides. Nucleotides are made up of 3
parts: phosphate group, deoxyribose sugar, and a nitrogen base. The differences in DNA lie in
the different sequence of nitrogen bases. DNA is replicated during the Synthesis phase of
Interphase of Mitosis. It is a simple process involving the unwinding of the helix by an enzyme
called DNA helicase and adding complementary nitrogen bases by an enzyme called DNA
polymerase.
Objective:
To describe the basic process of DNA replication and how it relates to the transmission
and conservation of the genetic information.
Safety:
Be sure that working surfaces and hands have been cleaned before starting this activity, if you
intend to consume your models after finishing.
Vocabulary: Nitrogen base, replication, nucleotides, deoxyribonucleic acid, phosphate group,
deoxyribose sugar, polymerase, complimentary strand
Materials:
Red licorice chunks (red and black) - 24 piece each color
Gum drops or colored marshmallows (4 different colors) - 6 of each color
Wooden toothpick halves – about 70
Procedures:
1. Gather the supplies you need. The red licorice represent the phosphate backbone with
the part of the gummy representing the deoxyribose sugar. The gumdrops will represent
the different nitrogen bases. Choose any order you want, but remember to follow the
base- pairing rule
2. Assign one nitrogen base to each of the four colors of gum drops or marshmallows.
Adenine (A) =_________________
Thymine (T) =_________________
Cytosine (C) =_________________
Guanine (G) =_________________
3. What do the black Licorice represent______________________________
4. What do the red Licorice represent______________________________
5. What structure is formed from a red Licorice, a black Licorice and a gum drop (or
marshmallow) _________________________________________________________
Biology HSL Page 205
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