The genetic code
I can describe how instructions for making proteins are coded into DNA.
The genetic code
I can describe how instructions for making proteins are coded into DNA.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- DNA is a polymer of four different nucleotides (A, C, G and T).
- Proteins are polymers of amino acids.
- The sequence of nucleotides in a gene determines the order of amino acids in a protein.
- Each set of three nucleotides is a triplet code that corresponds to an amino acid, this code is universal.
- Different organisms have different sequences of nucleotides in their DNA, but share this common coding system.
Keywords
DNA - A large chemical molecule made of smaller chemical groups, it carries the genetic code of all living organisms.
Polymer - A chemical made up of smaller repeating chemical groups.
Protein - A chemical substance whose structure is coded for by the genetic code in genes.
Amino acid - A small chemical group that makes up a protein polymer, there are 20 types.
Nucleotide - A chemical group that make up the building blocks of DNA, the four types are coded A, T, C and G.
Common misconception
Genes, DNA and chromosomes are used interchangeably rather than understanding their separate definitions; also that organisms such as animals and plants are not related.
Use images to show the difference between DNA, genes and chromosomes; display a phylogenetic tree so the common ancestry of all living organisms can be visualised and so the commonality of DNA between all life.
To help you plan your year 10 biology lesson on: The genetic code, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 biology lesson on: The genetic code, 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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Explore more key stage 4 biology lessons from the DNA and the genome unit, dive into the full secondary biology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a polymer that carries the genetic code for all living organisms
small chemical group; 4 types (ATCG) are joined together to make DNA
long chain molecule made of small chemical groups joined together
a polymer that can be structural or functional, coded for by a gene