Contextualization
Molecular Biology offers us a detailed and complex view of life in its essence, making us travel through the long and encoded chains of DNA and RNA. In our cells, these two molecules store and encode the genetic information that defines us as unique individuals, but, moreover, they are fundamental pieces in the processes of cell replication, protein synthesis, and transmission of hereditary traits.
DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic Acid, is a double helix molecule that stores our genetic code. It is found in the nuclei of our cells and contains the information for the production of the proteins necessary for life maintenance. The decoding of this code occurs through RNA, or Ribonucleic Acid.
RNA is a single-stranded molecule that transcribes DNA, that is, deciphering the data contained in the DNA helices and carrying this information to the ribosomes, where proteins will be manufactured. There are different types of RNA, with specific functions, among which is messenger RNA, which is responsible for this transcription.
Importance of Studying DNA and RNA
Understanding how DNA and RNA work is essential not only to understand how life develops but also how it evolves. Besides the purely biological interest, this knowledge has very important practical applications.
In medicine, gene therapy, for example, promises to cure diseases that were previously incurable, such as some types of cancer. In this technique, doctors modify the DNA of some patient cells so that they can fight the disease. Also, nowadays, understanding how RNA works has allowed the development of mRNA vaccines against Covid-19.
Forensic genetics, another example, is a field of science that uses DNA knowledge to solve crimes, identify bodies, or determine a person's paternity. Sometimes, a single cell can contain the necessary information to solve a crime.
Practical Activity: 'Understanding and Building DNA and RNA Molecules'
Project Objective
The activity aims to explore the structures and functions of DNA and RNA, both theoretically, through research and study, and practically, through the construction of three-dimensional models of DNA and RNA.
Project Description
Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 people. The first part of the project will consist of detailed research and study on DNA and RNA. Each group must identify the structure, function, similarities, and differences between DNA and RNA.
The second part of the project will involve the construction of physical models of DNA and RNA. Each group will build a DNA model and another RNA model, representing their shape, structure, and main characteristics.
At the end of the project, each group must create a detailed report describing the research results and the experience of building the models.
Required Materials
The materials for building the models will include (but will not be limited to):
- Toothpicks
- Assorted candies or marshmallows of different colors
- String
- Tape
- Scissors
Step by Step
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The group should start by researching and studying in detail the two types of molecules, DNA and RNA. They should seek information about the structure, function, characteristics, similarities, and differences between the two.
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The group will build a DNA model using the available materials. The model must be consistent with the researched information, presenting the main characteristics of a DNA molecule.
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Following the same process, the group will build an RNA model.
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Finally, the group must create a detailed report, discussing both the research conducted and the experience of building the models. The report should be divided into the following sections: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.
Project Delivery
Groups must deliver:
- The physical models of DNA and RNA.
- A report containing:
- Introduction: The group must contextualize the theme, explaining the relevance of studying DNA and RNA in the real world, and the objective of this project.
- Development: The group must present the theoretical study on DNA and RNA, explain the activity in detail, and indicate the methodology used. They should present and discuss the results obtained, both from the research and the construction of the models.
- Conclusion: The group must conclude the work by summarizing its main points, explaining the learnings obtained, and the conclusions drawn about the project.
- Bibliography: The group must indicate the sources used for the project, such as books, web pages, videos, etc.
The elaboration of the report should be planned and divided equitably among the group members. This written document is a way to integrate and complement what was learned during the research and the practical activity.
