Project: Creating a DNA Digital Gallery

Question

Much of the value of Watson and Crick's DNA discovery was in being able to visualize the molecule. Words do not do this magnificent molecule justice; a picture truly is worth a thousand words. In this project, you will put together a gallery of illustrations that best help you envision and understand the DNA of the cell.

Part 1

Assemble a digital gallery of DNA diagrams and photographs. Your collection can and should include some the Web sites you visited during the DNA lessons. Choose diagrams and photographs that helped you most in your study of this chapter. In the gallery, you will illustrate both the structure and the makeup of the giant molecule. You should also include illustrations showing its location in the cell.

You will include the following labeled and cited* items:

location of DNA in a cell
DNA structurer
DNA makeup
base pairing concept
genes and alleles
chromosome replication
Part 2

Extract and see your own DNA. Conduct online research to locate a method using isopropyl alcohol and a liquid detergent.

For your response, you must include the following:

Take photographs of your results.
Add the labeled photographs to your digital DNA gallery.
Assignment Guidelines

Your response must include the following:

at least ten pieces of art in accord with the bulleted list above
at least two photographs of the extraction of your own DNA
appropriate labeling and source sited for each piece
an appropriate presentation format
General Submission Requirements
For all assignments, remember the following important elements:

Proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Use complete sentence structure and standard written English. Do not use texting abbreviations or other shortcuts.
Make sure all paragraphs have a minimum of six sentences.

Answer 1

DNA Digital Gallery

Part 1: DNA Illustrations and Photographs

1. Location of DNA in a Cell

   • Image: Diagram illustrating the location of DNA within the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell.
   • Label: This image shows that DNA is primarily located in the nucleus and also in mitochondria.
   • Source: "The Structure of the Cell: The Nucleus and DNA" - Molecular Biology of the Cell

2. DNA Structure

   • Image: Graphic representation of the double helix structure of DNA.
   • Label: Characteristic double helical structure of DNA, showcasing the sugar-phosphate backbone and the nitrogenous bases.
   • Source: "DNA Structure" - Nature Education

3. DNA Makeup

   • Image: Diagram of the components of DNA, highlighting deoxyribose sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous bases.
   • Label: DNA is composed of nucleotides, which include a phosphate, sugar, and a nitrogen base (A, T, C, G).
   • Source: "DNA Is a Nucleotide Polymer" - Khan Academy

4. Base Pairing Concept

   • Image: Diagram depicting base pairing, showing that adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine.
   • Label: A visual representation of complementary base pairing, crucial for DNA replication and function.
   • Source: "Base Pairing and the Double Helix" - National Human Genome Research Institute

5. Genes and Alleles

   • Image: Illustration of a gene and its alleles represented on a chromosome.
   • Label: A gene is a segment of DNA that codes for a specific trait; alleles are different versions of a gene.
   • Source: "Understanding Genes and Alleles" - Genetics Home Reference

6. Chromosome Replication

   • Image: Diagram of the process of DNA replication, showcasing the unzipping of DNA and synthesis of new strands.
   • Label: This diagram illustrates how chromosomes are replicated during cell division.
   • Source: "DNA Replication" - Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology

7. DNA Mutations

   • Image: Graphic illustrating different types of DNA mutations (substitutions, insertions, deletions).
   • Label: Common types of mutations that can occur in DNA sequences and their potential impact.
   • Source: "Types of DNA Mutations" - American Society of Human Genetics

8. Chromatin Structure

   • Image: Illustration of the structure of chromatin and how DNA is packaged into chromosomes.
   • Label: Chromatin is a complex of DNA and protein that forms chromosomes during cell division.
   • Source: "The Packaging of DNA" - National Center for Biotechnology Information

9. Transcription and Translation

   • Image: Flow diagram showing the processes of transcription and translation of DNA into proteins.
   • Label: Transcription is the process by which mRNA is synthesized from DNA, followed by translation into proteins.
   • Source: "From DNA to Proteins: The Central Dogma" - Biology LibreTexts

10. DNA in Genetics

• Image: Diagram illustrating the concept of heredity and how traits are passed from parents to offspring.
• Label: This graphic depicts how genetic information is inherited through generations.
• Source: "Understanding Genetics" - Genetic Science Learning Center

Part 2: DNA Extraction Photographs

1. Photograph 1: Preparation Stage

   • Image: Photo showing materials used for DNA extraction: isopropyl alcohol, liquid detergent, and salt.
   • Label: Materials required for the extraction of DNA.
   • Source: Original photograph taken during the experiment.

2. Photograph 2: DNA Precipitation

   • Image: Photo capturing the precipitated DNA after adding alcohol.
   • Label: Visible strands of DNA after the extraction process.
   • Source: Original photograph taken after the experiment.

Conclusion

This digital gallery presents a comprehensive overview of the structure, function, and significance of DNA within biological systems. Each piece of art contributes to a better understanding of how DNA operates at both the molecular and cellular levels. The extraction of my own DNA further emphasizes the tangible and personal connection we have to our genetic material.

Presentation Format

The digital gallery will be presented as a PowerPoint presentation, allowing for organized visual aids alongside descriptive text. Each slide corresponds to the labeled items above, and photographs from the extraction process will be included in the latter slides to illustrate the hands-on experience of working with DNA.

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General Submission Requirements

• Reviewed for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• All sentences follow standard written English and are complete.
• Each paragraph meets the six-sentence minimum requirement.