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Year 10 - Science

Protein synthesis

DNA and the genome

Unit Summary

This unit covers the structure and function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, DNA as the genetic material, and key genetic terms. It also explains protein synthesis, genetic variants, and how DNA structure affects proteins. The emphasis is on using models to explain scientific concepts.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe how cells use the instructions coded in DNA to assemble proteins.

Key Notes

  • 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.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

  • 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.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key 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.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'base'

The part of the nucleotide that differs between the four types; A, T, C and G. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: 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. Correction: 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.

More Lessons In This Unit

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