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:

  1. Put fruit in the plastic bag

  2. Carefully mash the fruit until there are no big bits

  3. Next, mix in a little bit of water (1/2 cup), dish soap (2 tsp), and a pinch salt (1 tsp)

  4. Squish the fruit a little bit more

  5. Then, use a strainer to take out the fruit bits, collecting the liquid in the cup

  6. Finally, gently pour alcohol into the glass (let an adult do this step)

  7. You’ll see a cloud accumulating on the surface after a while

  8. 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.