Background

DNA is considered the blue print of an organism, coding for proteins that determine the characteristics of that organism.

All living things, from bacteria to organisms such as plants and animals, are made of tiny building blocks called cells. Each cell contains inherited information in the form of genes. A gene is made of a length of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that has a message encoded in its structure. DNA is often called the genetic blueprint of life because it contains the genetic code for the characteristics for all organisms.

DNA molecules contain a sugar phosphate backbone and two sets of base pairs; Adenine (A) combining with Thymine (T) and Guanine (G) combining with Cytosine (C). It is the order of these base pairs within the DNA double helix that differentiates living things.

Differences in DNA provide genetic diversity that is very useful to scientists. Some of the uses include identifying human remains, solving crimes, paternity testing, disease prevention and conservation of biodiversity.

In this program, students will be solving 2 cases. ‘Who is Henry’s father’ and ‘Who broke into the local milk-bar’.

Prior Knowledge

A knowledge of the meaning of the terms gametes, genes, alleles, genotypes and phenotypes would be preferable.

Learning Intentions

In this program students will:

• Learn how blood typing is determined
• Understand the DNA structure and some inheritance mechanisms
• Gain an understanding of how gel electrophoresis works.

Activities

Students will:

• Test for blood groups using antibodies
• Extract DNA from wheat germ
• Load and run an electrophoresis gel.

Victorian Curriculum

• Advances in scientific understanding often rely on developments in technology and technological advances are often linked to scientific discoveries (VCSSU115 [1])
• The transmission of heritable characteristics from one generation to the next involves DNA and genes (VCSSU119 [2])
• Select and use appropriate equipment and technologies to systematically collect and record accurate and reliable data, and use repeat trials to improve accuracy, precision and reliability (VCSIS136 [3])
• Analyse patterns and trends in data, including describing relationships between variables, identifying inconsistencies in data and sources of uncertainty, and drawing conclusions that are consistent with evidence (VCSIS138) [4].