Welcome to TAB Science
Explore the wonders of the scientific world
In this presentation we learn about the DNA, a super important code for all living things. DNA carries all the instructions that our bodies need to do everything they do - like how to grow, how to heal, and even how to fight off sickness. It can even be used to save lives! Let’s learn about DNA.
DNA: The Code of Life
Presentation
Replay our Google Slides presentation here:
Learnings
What did we learn?
The nucleus is like a brain and controls the cell’s activities
DNA lives inside the nucleus
DNA has four special letters: A, T, G, and C
Round letters (G and C) go together
Angular letters (A and T) go together
DNA is the instruction manual of the body
If DNA is a manual, genes are the pages
Genes are your traits (eye color, shape of your nose)
mRNA: a copy of the instructions (DNA), the message
Ribosomes: little builders, read the instructions to make proteins
Proteins: make up parts of an organism
Building blocks of the body
Experiment
Let’s extract the DNA from fruit! Make sure to have an adult around to help you.
Materials:
2 Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
Plastic cup (2)
Grinder
Dish detergent (2 tsp)
Salt (1 tsp)
Water (1/2 cup)
Filter
Rubbing alcohol (1/2 cup)
Wooden stirrer
Steps:
Put fruit in the plastic bag
Carefully mash the fruit until there are no big bits
Next, mix in a little bit of water (1/2 cup), dish soap (2 tsp), and a pinch salt (1 tsp)
Squish the fruit a little bit more
Then, use a strainer to take out the fruit bits, collecting the liquid in the cup
Finally, gently pour alcohol into the glass (let an adult do this step)
You’ll see a cloud accumulating on the surface after a while
Take a wooden stirrer and collect the DNA
If you are interested, feel free to check out these amazing books at your local library!
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About the Creator
Megan Kim (15) is a high schooler and a charter member of the Demarest Teen Advisory Board (TAB). Interested in the wonders of the natural world, she dedicates herself to unraveling its mysteries and sharing the thrill of scientific discovery with others. If you have any questions or comments, please contact mk0870im@gmail.com.
About the Organization
The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is a group of Demarest resident teens, grade 7 and up, who are focused on volunteering their time to collaborate with the library staff and their community to not only achieve the TAB mission goals but to also support overall library programs and initiatives.