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Year 10 - Science

The genetic code

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 instructions for making proteins are coded into DNA.

Key Notes

  • 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.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

  • Genes, DNA and chromosomes are used interchangeably rather than understanding their separate definitions; also that organisms such as animals and plants are not related.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

DNA is a polymer of four different nucleotides (A, C, G and T). Proteins are polymers of amino acids.

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

A large chemical molecule made of smaller chemical groups, it carries the genetic code of all living organisms. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Genes, DNA and chromosomes are used interchangeably rather than understanding their separate definitions; also that organisms such as animals and plants are not related. Correction: 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.

More Lessons In This Unit

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