Student Exploration: Building DNA
Vocabulary: double helix, DNA, enzyme, mutation, nitrogenous base, nucleoside, nucleotide,
replication
Prior knowledge Questions (Do these BEFORE using the Gizmo)
DNA is an incredible molecule that forms the basis of life on Earth DNA molecules contain
instructions for building every living organism on Earth, from the tiniest bacterium to a massive
blue whale DNA also has the ability to replicate, or make copies of itself. This allows living
things to grow and reproduce
Look at the DNA molecule shown at right. What does it look like?
This shape is called a double helix
2. Based on this picture, how do you think a DNA molecule makes a
copy of itself? (Hint Look at the bottom two "rungs' of the ladder)