DNA Replication Lab
Name: ______________________
Period: _____________________
Pre-Lab:
1. What does the suffix “-ose” mean?
2. What does the suffix “-ase” mean?
3. What is the function of an enzyme?
4. During what part of the cell cycle does DNA replication take place?
5. Why is DNA replication necessary for the life of cells?
6. What bonds are formed between bases?
a. What enzyme makes these bonds during DNA replication?
b. What enzyme breaks these bonds during DNA replication?
c. This enzyme separates an Adenine-Thymine pair more easily than a Guanine-Cytosine pair.
Why is that?
7. What bonds are formed between sugar and phosphate?
a. What enzyme makes these bonds during DNA replication?
8. What do you call errors that take place during DNA replication?
9. How are these errors mended?
10. How many replication forks are formed at the start of replication?
DNA Replication Lab
CLASS SET
Procedure:
1. With your partner, assemble a DNA molecule that is at least 6 base pairs long, use the LAB-AIDS
handout as a guide if necessary.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
BLUE = Cytosine
GREEN = Thymine
ORANGE = Adenine
YELLOW = Guanine
WHITE = Phosphate
BLACK = Deoxyribose
2. Make sure you have 3-4 free nucleotides floating around.
3. Using construction paper, cut out the four enzymes that catalyze this process.
4. Label each cut-out with the name of the enzyme it represents.
5. Flatten your DNA molecule against your lab station.
6. Simulate DNA replication by opening a replication bubble.
7. Using the correct enzyme open up the DNA molecule to ONE end, as pictured below:
8. Set the enzymes you created in the proper place on the DNA molecule.
9. Get your model checked off by your teacher. Be prepared to answer questions!
10. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE YOUR MODEL UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE ANALYSIS SECTION.
11. When finished, disconnect all pieces and put them back in their bag. Make sure there are no pieces
on the floor around your station.
12. RECYCLE all enzyme cut-outs.
Analysis:
1. Have your teacher initial here when your model has been checked off:
2. Using your model as a guide, draw a picture of the DNA replication process. Include as many details
and you can, including but not limited to; all four enzymes (that we learned), indicate the location
of the replication fork(s) and point of origin.
3. Write the function of the four enzymes in order of occurrence.
a.
b.
c.
d.