National Standards for Grade Levels 10-14
 
Provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate differences between DNA and RNA in terms of chemical composition and internucleotide bonding. Experiments include: (1) Reactions of DNA, RNA, and Nucleosides with Bial’s and Dische Reagents to detect the presence of pentose sugars and (2) Acid and Alkaline Hydrolysis of DNA and RNA to detect the presence of ribose. Allow
2 hour lab time, plus 30 minutes of lab time on the subsequent day following 24 hr incubation. Designed for 24 students working in groups of four. Required, but not included: fume hood, concentrated hydrochloric acid, concentrated sulfuric acid, and glacial acetic acid.