What is this DNA stuff?

• DNA is a long fiber: It’s kind of like a hair, but much longer and thinner

• DNA is made up of: 2 of these “strands of hair” in a twist

• DNA is held together by tiny little protein ladders

What does this DNA do for me?It determines everything about you!

• The color of your hair• The color of your eyes• The size of your feet• If you’re a guy or a

girl• How tall you will be• If you might have

certain illnesses

I thought that was determined by my “Jeans”?

You’re on the right track! DNA is organized into GENES. Genes are grouped

into Chromosomes. Each person has 23 Pairs of Chromosomes

DNA is the specific code for everything about you

It is the Blueprint for you!

So what is this DNA stuff made of?

• It is made up of 4 chemicals/ proteins that like to stick together

• Adenine pairs with Thymine (buddies)

• Guanine pairs with Cytosine (buddies)

• mRNA contains a different “protein buddy” do you know his name? Look it up!

Did you know?

Every cell in your body has a copy of this DNA! It is in every cell of your

body!

I know this DNA has made me who I am, but what else is it used for?

• Forensics

• Bioremediation

• Native American Verification

• Prenatal DNA testing

• Paternity testing

• Vaccinations

• Curing diseases

• Xenotransplantation

• Raising healthier plants

• Bringing back extinct species

• Let’s talk about it……………………………..

So, if I was a detective how would I collect this DNA?

• Chewing Gum• Licked stamps• Hair w/ intact root• Razor shavings• tooth brushes• cigarette butts

(smoking is bad for you!)

Let’s collect our own DNA samples!

These samples will last a lifetime.

They can be helpful if a child is missing or kidnapped

If you would like to learn more...

• www.genetree.com

• www.eurekascience.com

• dna2z.com

• www.howstuffworks.com