DNA & Protein Synthesis Test!

A-day students will take their test on Thursday, 4/6/17.  B-day students will take their test Monday, 4/10/17.

The test will cover the topics of DNA structure, DNA replication, protein synthesis & mutations.  Here is a copy of the study guide: DNA & PS Study Guide

Here are some good videos for review:

 

3/24 & 4/3

Today, we learned about DNA mutations. We watched a short video to remind us how DNA codes for proteins.

Following the video, we took notes about DNA Mutations. Mutations are a change in the DNA sequence. There are three types of mutations: base pair substitutions, insertions and deletions. On the back of the notes were mutations practice problems. This worksheet was taped into our lab notebook.
Mutations power point
Mutations lecture worksheet
Mutations practice worksheet

3/22 & 3/23

Today, we learned about Protein Synthesis. We heard more specifically about how the DNA code actually builds proteins, which in turn build our cells and allows them to function.

To start class we watched a short video on how DNA codes for proteins. Students then did some drawing notes. These were taped into our lab notebooks. Protein Synthesis Drawing Notes

To practice how DNA is transcribed to build mRNA, and how mRNA is translated to build a protein in the ribosome, students completed a protein synthesis practice worksheet. Then, students worked through 10 practice stations. Station 11 was a short quiz.  PS Practice worksheet  PS Story worksheet

Absent students: Copy the drawing notes from the teacher or a friend. Pick up a copy of the Protein Synthesis practice worksheet. Stations will be on the counter up until our test the week after spring break. Come by and practice before taking the Protein Synthesis Quiz.

3/20 & 3/21

Today, we compared and contrasted DNA vs. RNA. We began by watching a short video clip and taking notes in our lab notebook.

Following this introduction, we read in the Biology textbook (pages 304-305) about the differences between DNA & RNA, answering questions on a worksheet. This paper was taped into our lab notebooks and will serve as our notes for this topic. Structure of DNA & RNA workshet

Then we learned how to read a codon chart and practiced looking up mRNA codons and amino acids. This also got taped into our lab notebooks. mRNA Codons worksheet     Codons chart

Absent students! Make sure to come by and get copies of all of the worksheets from today.

3/16 & 3/17

Today, students worked with DNA Models to continue practicing DNA structure & replication. Following this, we took our DNA structure quiz. If you were absent, please make up the model activity and quiz during lunch or Flex.

DNA Models worksheet

Following the quiz, students performed a DNA Extraction Lab. We used our cheek cells again and broke them down in dish soap, then used Ethanol to suspend the DNA. Students were able to collect their DNA if they wanted in a small Eppendorf tube so they can always have a momento of Freshman Biology :-)

DNA Extraction Lab

3/14 & 3/15

Today, students completed a DNA nucleotide building activity to continue practicing DNA structure. Students colored in the three parts of one nucleotide. Then worked with the other people at their table to begin building a strand of DNA. Finally, tables joined their DNA together to create a class strand. By the end of the day we were able to build a nice long community strand of DNA that will be a model for the classroom. Students answered questions on a worksheet about their DNA model which was turned in for points. I do not have this activity digitally, so if you were absent, please come in during Flex or lunch to get a paper copy.

This activity was followed by watching a 2 minute video about how DNA replicates and copies itself during Interphase. Students watched it one time through, then watched it a second time in order to take notes in their lab notebooks. Following this, we drew a diagram summary of DNA replication in our lab notebook. Finally, we took lecture notes about DNA replication (power point slides 9 - 17), completing the lecture notes worksheet from last class.

DNA Lecture Notes Worksheet
DNA Structure & Replication power point

DNA Winding & DNA replication video:

3/10 & 3/13

Today, we finished watching the "Unnatural Causes: In sickness & In health" documentary. We discussed in class, how the increased stress of living in poverty or as a person of color leads to decreased health. Students taped in their video worksheet to their lab notebooks.

We took a little class time to organize our lab notebooks. Students taped in the following worksheets: Meiosis Lecture notes, Mitosis vs. Meiosis labeling worksheet, & the video worksheet. We also took time to recycle first semester work (Ecology, Cells, Biochemistry), but made sure to keep second semester work (Cell Membrane, Osmosis & Diffusion, Mitosis & Meiosis).

We then completed work on the DNA coloring worksheet that students began following the test last class. We reviewed the answers, then taped this worksheet into our lab notebooks as well. If you are missing any of this work - please come see me!

Lastly, we completed DNA structure lecture notes.
DNA Lecture worksheet
DNA structure & replication power point

3/8 & 3/9

Today, students took their Cell Reproduction Test on Mitosis, Meiosis & Cancer. Absent students should plan on making up the test at lunch or at Flex (3/17).

Following the test, students worked on a DNA coloring sheet in order to learn the 6 chemicals that build a DNA molecule. On the sides of the DNA ladder are sugar & phosphate. The nitrogen bases that build the steps of the ladder are made of the chemicals (A) Adenine, (T) Thymine, (C) Cytosine, & (G) Guanine.

3/6 & 3/7

Today, we finished up any work we needed to do for the Meiosis information or the Cancer posters. Following this, we watched a video, "Unnatural Causes: In sickness & in wealth" that examines the increased incidence of cancer and other diseases for people of color and people that live in poverty. Due to the increased stress these people face in everyday life, there is a corresponding increase in the amount of the stress hormone, cortisol, released in their bodies. Research shows that this leads to increased susceptibility to sickness. Students are answering questions as we watch the video.

Unnatural Causes video questions

Next class we will be taking our test on Mitosis, Meiosis & Cancer. Students should use their lab notebooks, Mitosis & Meiosis lecture notes and other classwork to research and practice the questions on their study guide. I've attached the study guide here (Study Guide). Please look at the posts below if you are missing information.

Want a little video review of these topics? Check out this NOVA website: NOVA Mitosis, Meiosis & Cancer

3/2 & 3/3

Today, student groups presented their posters about Cancer. Students collected information from each group and turned in their individual reading worksheets, as well as the poster tour worksheet.  Following this, we transitioned to learning about Meiosis.

Meiosis is a type of cell reproduction that our bodies use to make gametes, or reproductive cells (i.e. sperm & eggs). Our main task is to compare Meiosis to Mitosis. For example, Mitosis makes 2 new genetically identical cells whereas Meiosis produces 4 new genetically different cells.  Students took lecture notes, compared the two processes on a diagram. Some classes had enough time to watch a video to learn about the process of "Crossing Over" which occurs in Meiosis that results in increased genetic diversity.

The announcement was also made that as this unit wraps up, we will take our Mitosis/Meiosis Test next week on Wednesday/Thursday (3/8 & 3/9). Students received a study guide today. They should use their lecture notes to help them practice their answers.  Study guide = Mitosis & Meiosis Study Guide

Meiosis LN worksheet
Mitosis + Meiosis powerpoint
Mitosis vs Meiosis comparison WS