Protein synthesis
I can describe how cells use the instructions coded in DNA to assemble proteins.
Protein synthesis
I can describe how cells use the instructions coded in DNA to assemble proteins.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The sequence of nucleotides in a gene is a template for assembling proteins from amino acids in a particular order.
- To make a protein, a copy of a gene is made to form messenger RNA (mRNA) in the nucleus.
- The mRNA leaves the nucleus and moves to a ribosome in the cytoplasm.
- Transfer molecules (tRNA) carry specific amino acids to the ribosome.
- The ribosome joins amino acids in an order determined by the sequence of triplet codes in the mRNA.
Keywords
Base - The part of the nucleotide that differs between the four types; A, T, C and G.
Amino acid - Small chemical group that makes up a protein polymer, there are 20 types.
Gene - A section of DNA that holds the genetic code for a protein.
MRNA - A copy of a gene that is made and transported from the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
Ribosome - A structure in all cells whose function is to build proteins.
Common misconception
DNA is the endpoint of a characteristic rather than the fact that it codes for proteins that give a protein; also that all characteristics are visible.
Clear examples, analogies and models to show the code in genes, leads to the order of an amino acids in a protein; examples of structural and functional proteins.
To help you plan your year 10 biology lesson on: Protein synthesis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 biology lesson on: Protein synthesis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
small molecules that are joined together to make protein polymers
the fluid part of a cell that contains the organelles
a section of DNA that holds the genetic code to build a protein
an organelle that is the site of protein synthesis
large organelle that contains the chromosomes