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• Name: Adrianna White
• Position and Institution:PhD Student, University of Georgia, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Contact Adrianna.White@uga.edu
• Year contributed: 2024

• Grade Level: 7, 9-12
• Georgia Standards of Excellence: SB2a,b,c, aspects of SB3, S7L3a

DNA is the genetic material present within chromosomes that makes us who we are and directs the proper functioning of all cells. In this lesson, students will get a brief introduction to DNA structure and basic genetics. Additionally, students will learn about a few biomedical applications of DNA, specifically its role in research and inherited diseases. This lesson provides instructions for making a model of DNA out of candy to help students visualize the structure and base pairing rules. The main activity allows students to complete an experiment using inexpensive household supplies to extract the DNA from strawberries.

• DNA structure
• Biomedical applications
• Base-pairing rules

Handout

Lesson Plan

Teacher Notes