Module 7 Molecular Genetics
Lesson 3.7.1
Lesson 1—DNA Structure
Get Focused
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All organisms begin life as a single cell. All of the information for forming the body parts and controlling body processes must be stored in that single original cell. As stated in The Cell Theory, cells are the
- basis of structure
- basis of function
- basis of heredity for all living things
Many scientists work and various events and experiments led up to the identification of the molecule that holds all of this cellular information, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). During the process of discovery, some scientists concentrated on identifying the molecule of heredity while, simultaneously, others were studying the structure of DNA. The combination of identifying DNA as the molecule of heredity and the discovery of the DNA structure allowed scientists to begin searching for the mechanisms and processes involved in passing genetic information on between generations. The discovery of DNA also caused the imaginations of comic book artists to take new directions. Once the molecule responsible for passing on all information to the next generation was identified, imagine the possibilities. What if this DNA was changed: what would happen to a person? The beginning of mutant superheroes was born.
This lesson will address the following focusing questions:
- What is the history of the discovery of DNA?
- What is the structure of DNA?
This lesson should take approximately 70 minutes to complete.
Module 7: Lesson 1 Assignment
Once you complete the learning activities in the online lesson, you can complete the online assignment.
The other questions and activities in this lesson are not marked by the teacher; however, you should still attempt all of the work offered here. They are designed to help you review important information and build key concepts that may be applied in future lessons.
Here is a tutorial video for this lesson that you can watch if it suits your learning style. Bio30 tut# 3.7.1 Molecular Genetics Intro
The other questions in this lesson are not marked by the teacher; however, you should still answer these questions. The Self-Check and Try This questions are placed in this lesson to help you review important information and build key concepts that may be applied in future lessons.