The student will be able to analyse the structure and function of DNA.

Lesson 4: Day 1

The student will be able to compare and contrast the general structural composition of DNA and RNA.

Mader

Read pages 490 to 494 up to, but not including, “Transcription.” Pay particular attention to the comparisons of DNA and RNA that are highlighted in Table 24.1. You should be able to understand each of the differences presented there and you should be able to reproduce this table from memory.

Answer Testing Yourself questions 3 and 14 on page 509.

Online Learning Center

Except for its conclusion, you are not required to remember any of the details of the experiment performed by Alfred Hershey and Martha Chase; but at the time it was first performed it was one of the most groundbreaking experiments in modern biology. You should view the two minute animation about this experiment: If nothing else, it will demonstrate an elegant use of the scientific method! And, if you don’t “get” the conclusion, don’t be afraid to watch the animation a couple more times.