Hello There!
Do people ever say you look just like another family member?
This is because of genetics. Genetics is the scientific study of how traits are passed from parents to offspring. Heredity is the process of passing on characteristics from generation to generation, parent to child.
Your genes contain instructions that tell your body how to function. Genes also determine your features, such as eye color, hair color, and height. Genes can be found inside of your DNA. DNA stands for Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid. It is a chain of molecules that carry your genetic information.
The shape of DNA looks like a twisted ladder which is called a double helix. Each piece of DNA has two long strands that are linked together by DNA bases. DNA is made up of three parts, Phosphate, Sugar and Nitrogen Bases.
This is where you come in. You will be making your very own DNA model. I’m leaving the design and the build of the DNA structure to you. Now, don’t look so surprised! You can do it! I’ve prepared all the materials already. I just need to you design and build you DNA so you can have it as a reminder of how unique you are.
Genes carry information to cells in your body. In the same way, we are going to create messaes you want your DNA to carry. This message should be something you know to be true about yourself or aspire to be.
Before you get started on building your DNA model, let’s go over the different parts of DNA. The outer part of DNA is called a phosphate. It is the backbone of DNA that provides a structure for DNA and protects the middle portion. The sugar comes next which keeps the DNA structure strong and stable.
The middle portion of DNA has a combination of nitrogen bases. Nitrogen bases tell your body how to look and how to function. There are four types of bases: guanine, cytosine, adenine, and thymine. The bases are typically identified by the first layer of each base. You can remember the nitrogen bases by repeating G C A T. These bases all have a partner that they must stay with to create a nitrogen base pair. G and C must stay together- you can remember the pair by noticing they are curvy letters. A and T must stay together (they have a straight horizontal line.
Now that you know the rules, you can get started on your DNA model by filling in your DNA Structure Card.
After you have filled in your DNA Structure Card, please check that you have the following materials:
- Craft Wire
- Plier
- Bead Set
- Close and Connect Set
- Stop and Secure set
Are they all there? Good. You can get started on creating your DNA model.
You finished your DNA keychain, it’s perfect and looks great! I hope you enjoyed learning about DNA and how unique you are. Try experimenting with your new skill and make a DNA keychain for a friend!
That’s all I have for you to do right now. Take a break. I’m sure I’ll have something for you to do next time.
Until next time,
Head Engineer Ariani