SL Content Statements

• D1.1.1

  DNA replication as production of exact copies of DNA with identical base sequences

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  Students should appreciate that DNA replication is required for reproduction and for growth and tissue replacement in multicellular organisms.

• D1.1.2

  Semi-conservative nature of DNA replication and role of complementary base pairing

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  Students should understand how these processes allow a high degree of accuracy in copying base sequences.

• D1.1.3

  Role of helicase and DNA polymerase in DNA replication

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  Limit to the role of helicase in unwinding and breaking hydrogen bonds between DNA strands and the general role of DNA polymerase.

• D1.1.4

  Polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis as tools for amplifying and separating DNA

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  Students should understand the use of primers, temperature changes and Taq polymerase in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the basis of separation of DNA fragments in gel electrophoresis.
  

• D1.1.5

  Applications of polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis

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  Students should appreciate the broad range of applications, including DNA profiling for paternity and forensic investigations.
  NOS: Reliability is enhanced by increasing the number of measurements in an experiment or test. In DNA profiling, increasing the number of markers used reduces the probability of a false match.