Cass Nucleic Acids Worksheet: Alien DNA Student! Name and UID: Scenario from pre-class: Initial analysis of eukaryotic, unicellular life in the Mars sample reveals the presence of double-stranded nucleic sample. Additional analysis indicates the presence of acids similar to DNA found in eukaryotic organisms on Earth. Although not identical, the alien nucleic acids consist of two strands of nucleotides bonded to the sugar-phosphates on the outside of the structure. Six nitrogen bases located on the interior of the double-stranded nucleic acid are identified as: isoAdenine (A), Uracil (U), isoCytosine (IC), isoThymine (iT), Adenine, and betaGuanine (bG). Data also suggests complementary base-pairing between nitrogen bases strands with the following base pairing rules: complementary with bG, complementary with iC.
With great anticipation, your team conducts tests on the alien nucleic acids: The most fundamental questions to be answered include: Is the structure of the material similar to genetic systems on Earth? What is the mechanism of replication?
Testing results of Alien DNA sample: Initial analysis finds that the alien genetic material is a double helix composed of nucleotides, with sugar-phosphates on the outside of the molecule and nitrogenous bases on the interior. The bases in the nucleotides of the alien genetic material are similar but not identical to those found in genetic systems on Earth, as shown in the figure below.
8 Draw show to the left. Note down the similarities and the diagram of earth DNA. Compare it to alien DNA 8 differences between the alien DNA and DNA on earth. 8 1 2 bG