| For
this activity you need |
Four paper clips per person
Beads of four different colors
Put the beads in a bowl so they don't escape.
|
We know that the chromosomes that
carry our genetic information are made up of four
amino acids.
These amino acids connect up with
their partners.
|
Adenine |
<- pairs with -> |
Thymine |
|
Cytosine |
<- pairs with -> |
Guanine |
Use the colored beads to represent
the different amino acids. Write the colors here:
| Amino Acid |
Adenine |
Cytosine |
Thymine |
Guanine |
|
Color of Bead
|
|
|
|
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Create a Chromosome
 |
Gather
your materials. You are going to make a model of a chromosome.
A chromosome has two strands.
Straighten out two of the paper clips, leaving a hook at one
end of each. |
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|
Make the first strand:
The beads represent the amino acids.
Put beads on one straightened paper clip.
|
|
|
Bend the other end of the paper clip back.
This is one strand of the chromosome.
|
|
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Now take the other straightened paper
clip.
Put it beside the one that you just finished.
This will be the second strand of the chromosome.
|
 |
This part is tricky!
Find the partner for each colored bead.and
put it on the open paper clip
|
 |
Bend the second paper clip to hold the
beads.
You have now made the second strand of your
chromosome model! Good for you!
Now exchange chromosomes with a partner and
check to be sure that the amino acids are paired up correctly.
|
Duplicating
Your Chromosome
When a cell divides, it has to make
copies of the chromosomes in
itself. Every cell in the body has copies
of the same chromosomes.
Let's duplicate your chromosome the
way your body would.
 |
Straighten out the remaining two paper clips.
|
 |
Separate the two strands of your chromosome.
Now, think!
Each of these pieces is half of a chromosome,
rather like one side of a zipper.
Place each half of the completed chromosome
next to a straightened paper clip.
Now, carefully put the partner beads on the
empty paper clips.
|
 |
When all the partner beads are in place,
fold up the other end of the paper clips
What do you have now?
How does this process work?
Did you get an exact copy of your chromosome?
|
 |
You should have two complete, double stranded
chromosomes now.
Share your chromosomes with the people sitting
near you.
Mix all your chromosomes together and then
pick out one. Can you find the other piece of it? Match up your
amino acids!
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From World Builders: http://curriculum.calstatela.edu/courses/builders/
Copyright © 2000. Elizabeth Anne
Viau and her licensors. All rights reserved. This
material may be used by individuals for instructional purposes
but not sold. Please inform the author if you use it at eviau@earthlink.net.