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Activity description:

Although species share many similarities in their DNA, there are regions with differences in the order of the four DNA bases. These differences can be used to identify species! Construct a DNA paper chain “sequence” alongside Sharon during this fun and easy shelter-in-place science activity, just in time for DNA Day! Add another “base” to your chain each day you’re at home and learn how to identify the species that is the closest match to the DNA sequence you create!

In this activity, you will:

• Build a DNA “sequence” using paper links for as many days that you are sheltering in place
• Identify the species that is the closest match to your DNA “sequence” using the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s (NCBI) Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST)