DNA Interactive \ worksheet
Directions: Answer the questions on this worksheet. Complete each section by following the
instructions on the first page.
DNA EXTRACTION
1. What are three reasons why we would need to extract DNA?
2. Why does the DNA need to be extracted from a cell before it can be analyzed?
3. About how much DNA is inside every cell’s nucleus?
4. When we extracted our own DNA last Friday, how did the things we used (Gatorade, alcohol,
soap) relate to the things that are used in this virtual lab?
5. What are the alcohol and soap used for?

GEL ELECTROPHORESIS
1. What is electrophoresis used for?
2. Why is “gel” used?
3. What makes the DNA move?
4. Which strands move father? Why do you think they are able to do this?
5. What is a buffer? Why is it used in electrophoresis?
6. Why it is important to put the black (negative) cord closest to the wells where the negatively
charged DNA was injected?

TRANSCRIPTION & TRANSLATION
1. Why do you think it is important for there to be designated “Start” and “Stop” codons?
2. What amino acid would you end up with if you replaced the U in the second reading frame with
a G?
3. What amino acid would you end up if you deleted the C from the second reading frame?
4. What amino acid would you end up with if you added a G to the end of the second reading
frame?
5. How might having a mutation occur during transcription harm an organism? How might an
organism benefit from this?