Asked by Keyuri Patel on Jul 16, 2024

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As a researcher, you are charged with determining the effects of a new drug. From previous observations, you suspect that this drug reduces the rate of DNA production (replication) in the skin cells of patients using the drug. With the following materials, design an experiment that would determine the effect of the drug on DNA replication. You know that DNA contains phosphate groups. You have radioactive isotopes of phosphate (32P), skin cell cultures from different patients, the drug in question, and a device that measures radioactivity.

DNA Replication

The process by which DNA is duplicated; ordinarily a semiconservative process in which a double helix gives rise to two double helices, each with an "old" strand and a newly synthesized strand.

Radioactive Isotopes

Atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei, causing them to be unstable and decay, releasing radiation.

Phosphate Groups

Phosphate groups are chemical groups containing phosphorus and oxygen; they play a key role in energy transfer and molecular signaling in cells.

  • Understand the basic principles of designing an experiment to investigate the effects of substances on biological processes.
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Nicole LeisyJul 18, 2024
Final Answer :
Concepts to Consider: Construction of an appropriate experiment with appropriate controls; use of the radioisotope to label DNA; isolation of the DNA using an unspecified technique; measuring radioactivity of the isolated DNA; comparing the treatment and control groups; making a conclusion.