Ana Pacheco

1. Imagine you are trying to explain the difference between chromosomes, genes, and DNA to your
younger brother or sister who is two years younger than you. How would you do it? DNA is a
molecule found in almost all living cells. It holds genetic information as well as instructions that the
cell has to carry out. Nucleotides make instructions that the cell can read. These instructions are called
genes. Chromosomes are DNA strands wrapped around a protein molecule. Chromosomes divide with
cells and give DNA structure. All of these structures help to biologically characterize and keep your
cells working through generations.
2. Does a liver cell contain the same chromosomes as a cheek cell? Both cells contain identical DNA
and chromosomes. The difference between them is what genes are turned on in the cells.
3. If you wanted to isolate a copy of the gene that codes for a protein found in the stomach, could that
gene be located in cheek cells? Explain your reasoning. The gene that codes for a stomach protein
would be found in the genomic DNA inside a cheek cell, but the cheek cell wouldnt make copies of the
gene for the stomach protein. Stomach protein genes are expressed only in the stomach
4. Why is an intermediate like mRNA needed to copy the information from genomic DNA so it can be
translated into proteins? Genomic DNA is in stuck in the nucleus, while ribosomes are in the
cytoplasm. Ribosomes make protein so a messenger is needed transport the genetic information.
5. List the steps of DNA Extraction and their purpose.
-

Collect DNA by spitting into a tube.

Break open cells to release DNA
Separate DNA from other gunk like proteins.
Precipitate DNA with alcohol and salt to keep its shape.
Clean off DNA to purify it even more.
Confirm existence in tube.

6. Once membranes have been dissolved, the DNA is released into the solution, but so are many other
types of cellular molecules. what else would be in the cell, and how would you purify out the DNA (list
two ways)? Adding a protease digests proteins. You can also filter out extra substances
7. What proteins are associated with DNA in the cell and what is their purpose? Histones (used to
package DNA into nucleosomes) and DNA Polymerase (responsible more assembling nucleotides of
DNA).
8. the protease used in this procedure functions best at 50 degrees Celsius. Would you expect this
enzyme to be isolated from E. coli? Explain. Hint: Where does E. coli live? E. Coli lives in our stomach
at about 37 degrees. If protease thrives at 50 degrees, then it would probably isolate from the body.
9. Meat tenderizer is often used to tenderize tough pieces of meat, like steak. Knowing that steak is
made of protein-rich muscle tissue from cows, can you think of an explanation for how meat

tenderizer works? Meat tenderizer probably contains a protease to partially break down some of the
protein in steak. This would make it easier to eat and digest.
10. Take a picture of your DNA and describe it. If you didn't get anything, what could have gone
wrong? I already rinsed out my DNA :(. It was about 2 cm long and looked like a piece of cotton.