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Life Science Organizations
Life Science Organizations
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| Description | The coiling structure found in DNA has evolved because it provides advantages to the function of DNA. String provides a simple model in which the advantages of coiling can be understood. Most string is composed of three strands that are twisted/coiled. Twisted string maximizes mass while making efficient use of space, an important ingredient of DNA. Super coiling, as the students do in this activity, enhances this efficiency with the additional benefit of being stronger. | |||
| Type of Resource | Assignment/Activity (Non-Laboratory/Non-Hands on Activity) | |||
| Format | Word Document - DOC | |||
| Author |
Lyn Countryman, University of Northern Iowa
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| Development Date | July 20, 2008 | |||
| Grade/Age Levels |
Middle School (Grades 6-8) High School upper division (Grades 11-12) Undergraduate lower division (Grades 13-14) |
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| Pedagogies | ||||
| National Science Educational Standard |
Molecular basis of heredity (9-12) | |||
| Learning Time | <=1 hour | |||
| Language | English | |||
| Type of Review | Reviewed By LifeSciTRC Board | |||
| Review Date | December 13, 2010 | |||
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| Suggested Use | ||||
This is a great way to hook students and have them be asked rather than told key understanding for why DNA strands coil up. I will use this next semester in my high-school biology class.
—Meghan Wilson, Hartford High School
This is a straight-forward activity and one that covers an important topic - the structure of DNA affect its function to such a great degree that understanding how the physical structure affords DNA its "super powers" enables students to better understand its essential function in living organisms.
—David Upegui, Central Fall High School
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The lesson is simple and student-centered. It is accessbile for a regular biology class in understanding DNA coiling in a 3-dimensional tangible manner. I look forward to using this next year in my biology course.
—Cathia Acton, The Burlington School