​Molecules of Life

Life on earth is ultimately dependent on two molecules: water and DNA. Without either, life would not exist. This first unit of IB Biology introduces these two essential molecules: how do they work, what are their unique properties, and how do they allow life to exist.

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​Molecules of Life Learning Objective

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History of DNA

• TedEd: Rosalind Franklin, DNA's unsung hero
• NOVA: Cracking the Code of Life
• The Discovery of DNA: Not just Watson & Crick
• CBS Sunday Morning: Henrietta Lack
• James Watson Ted Talk: How We Discovered DNA
• Meselson & Stahl Experiment Overview
• Hershey & Chase Experiment Overview​

Resources

​Water Quizlet Set
Nucleic Acids Quizlet Set
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Water:

• Health & Water in Africa
• Water & Hunger: Improving Sustainability
• Poverty & Water in Africa
• Education & Water
• PBS Water World: What affect climate change has on coastal countries
• Project Water

​DNA Structure

• What is a Gene?
• DNA Anatomy
• DNA Structure & Animation: Crash Course Videos

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Notes & Lectures:

A1.1: Water

A1.2: Nucleic Acids

Shelby Unit Summary

This graphic organizer was produced by a former student, Shelby, and originally created for the 2016 IB Curriculum. However, much of the content is still relevant.

This graphic organizer was produced by a former student, Shelby, and originally created for the 2016 IB Curriculum. However, much of the content is still relevant.