The structure of DNA: including nucleotides
I can describe the structure of DNA and how DNA is copied during mitosis.
The structure of DNA: including nucleotides
I can describe the structure of DNA and how DNA is copied during mitosis.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- DNA is made of two strands, each a long polymer of nucleotides, wound together in a double helix shape.
- DNA is a polymer of four different nucleotides (A, C, G and T).
- Nucleotides in each strand of DNA pair up in a complementary way; A pairs with T, and C pairs with G.
- The DNA in chromosomes is unwound & copied during interphase, then the copies separate and the cell divides by mitosis.
- Complementary base pairing allows an exact copy of each ‘unzipped’ DNA strand to be made from free nucleotides.
Keywords
DNA - A polymer with a double helix structure that carries the genetic information.
Mitosis - A type of cell division that produces genetically identical cells.
Nucleotides - Individual subunits that make up DNA.
Polymer - A long chain of repeating subunits.
Complementary base pairing - Bases form pairs with one other base: A pairs with T, and C pairs with G.
Common misconception
Students may think that each strand of DNA is the same without recognising one strand is inverted.
The slides specifically mention the second strand is inverted and this is also reinforced using diagrams of inverted nucleotides wherever possible.
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: The structure of DNA: including nucleotides, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: The structure of DNA: including nucleotides, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Cell division: mitosis and meiosis unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Contains DNA and controls cell activities.
Made from coiled DNA; humans have 23 pairs in their nuclei.
A polymer with a double helix structure; carries the genetic material.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
phosphate
base
sugar