| MadSci Network: Genetics |
Dear LaShawna, I can understand your fascination with DNA, since I felt the same thrill when I first heard about this molecule in high school a long time ago. However, I must also tell you that you have chosen a rather complicated subject for a middle school science fair project. Examining the effects an organism has on the structure of DNA requires elaborate equipment that is available only in university, industrial and government research laboratories. Besides, regardless of the type or organism from which a DNA sample was obtained, the basic structure of DNA is the same. The proteins that bind to DNA, fold, and compact this long molecule vary between organisms and between different cell types of the same organism. My suggestion to you is to consider, instead, a project such as: Can one isolate DNA from plant material using common household items? The following sites will be helpful in planning your science fair project: http://school.discove ry.com/sciencefaircentral This site gives general information about how to design science fair projects, formulate and test a hypothesis etc. http://biology.abou t.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm? site=http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/students.html%23lab http://biology.abou t.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm? site=http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/students.html%23lab These are links to the experiment I suggested using dried peas and wheat germ, respectively, as starting material for the isolation of DNA. http://biology .about.com/library/weekly/aa032201b.htm contains several other fascinating biology science experiments and general help with science fair projects. Good Luck with your project! Sabine Heinhorst
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Genetics.