BHS006-1 Chemistry and Molecular Genetics - University of Bedfordshire

Assignment - Genetics Report

Learning Outcome 1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic ideas and concepts in chemistry and molecular genetics.

Learning Outcome 2: Present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative laboratory data, in order to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories of chemistry and genetics.

Assignment:

Part 1. You will carry out two laboratory practicals, one relating to extracting DNA molecules from bacterial cells and one relating to observing the stages of mitosis (full details provided in laboratory handouts).

Part 2. Using the data you collected in the DNA practical, and the additional datasets provided, you will conduct a data analysis exercise (details in this brief).

Your report must be divided into the following sections:

Background:
This section should be approximately 500 words in length. This section should explain the background to DNA molecules, and include the following information:
• Briefly describe DNA structure and the importance of DNA in genetics.
• Explain the different types of DNA molecules found in the cells of prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• How is DNA packaged and how does this vary between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
• How do DNA amounts generally vary between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
• In each case, introduce the DNA molecules found in addition to the nuclear genome and explain their functional significance.
• End your background section with a clear aim or set of aims for your assignment.

Data Analysis:
This section should be approximately 250 words in length.
You will have collected your own data from Bacteria A and B in the DNA extraction practical. Additionally, you have been given a table listing genome data for a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. In this section you should:
• Provide text that clearly describes the data being presented before showing any figures/tables and refer to the relevant figures or tables where the data can be found.

Data Interpretation:
This section should be approximately 500 words in length. You should discuss the data shown in your data analysis section and explain its meaning. In this section you should:
• Explain the DNA results you found for Bacteria A and B in the lab practical. What is the functional significance of these results?
• Discuss the significance of DNA molecules that are present in addition to the nuclear genome more broadly, in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• If your data is not as expected, or a null result, why might this be? Describe why difficulties or issues occurred with the lab processes.
• Discuss the relationship(s) you found between genome size (1C) and number of genes for (i) prokaryotes and (ii) eukaryotes. Are they different? Are they significant?
• What do these results mean biologically and is there a relationship between nuclear genome content and organismal complexity?
• Given the above results, discuss the potential role(s) of non-coding DNA in genomes.

Attachment:- Assessment brief - Genetics.rar