Curriki - LP2WhatsageneandhowisitrelatedtoDNA

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Rebecca Newburn

(Richmond - United States)

LP2: What's a gene, and how is it related to DNA?

From: Catholic Schools High School Science
Contributed By: Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE)

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This lesson plan was created based on a template developed for the Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment initiative sponsored by the Alliance for Catholic Education.

Number of Days:

3 days

Prior Knowledge:

SWBAT describe the basic structure of DNA and the process of DNA replication

Lesson Objective:

SWBAT explain the process of transcription and translation of a gene to create an amino acid chain

Lesson Assessment:

Quiz

Benchmark or Standards:

B.1.21 Understand and explain that the information passed from parents to offspring is transmitted by means of genes which are coded in DNA molecules. B.1.26 Demonstrate how the genetic information in DNA molecules provides instructions for assembling protein molecules and that this is virtually the same mechanism for all life forms.

Materials Needed:

Projector, Laptop, internet access

Enrichment:

Using three mediums (visual, literary, and lecture) to analyze the same topic

Accommodations:

Role-play scenarios in which the process of transcription is acted out, manipulating models

Procedures:

Time	Learning Task	Method or Procedure
5	Write, in paragraph form, when and how DNA replicates	Bellwork
2	Prayer
10	Define key terms: RNA, uracil, transcription, translation, gene	Read 2 paragraphs on transcription/ translation, and define terms on the board
8	Explain the differences between RNA and DNA	lecture and questioning
10	Describe the process of transcription, and relate to RNA	lecture and guided reading
10	Practice transcription: Write DNA sequence on the board, students come up and write the complementary RNA sequence. Teacher must be constantly asking about what molecules are performing what functions, where this is happening, etc.	Board work
5	What are similarities and differences between transcription and replication?	Brainstorm
10	Watch video on DNAi website showing the process of transcription. Teacher is continually probing students with questions about the molecules involved, etc.	Video
Day 2
3	Review notes for the quiz	Bellwork
2	Prayer
20	Quiz on DNA structure and replication	Independent & individual
2	Why is DNA called "the genetic code?"	Brainstorm
10	Watch video from DNAi website about "the problem" and "the players" in describing the genetic code.	Video
2	Define translation	notes
15	Watch video of translation, making notes of the key steps in the process	Video and notes
2	Closure: How is translation similar to transcription?	Exit card
Day 3
3	Explain the relationship between amino acids and genes	Bellwork
2	Prayer
15	Act out the process of translation. Each student is an amino acid (some students may represent two amino acids). A genetic sequence is placed on the board. Mr. Hollowell acts as the ribosome, and the appropriate students must contribute their amino acid to a growing amino acid strand. Students critique the process, and teacher is constantly asking questions about when to move, what molecules are involved, etc.	Class role-play
35	Students are given 3 DNA strands. They must transcribe and then translate the sequence to get the amino acid strand. Finally, we reverse the process, where students are given an amino acid strand and must "decode" it to get the DNA strand from which it originated.	Example problems
2	Why is DNA called "the genetic code?"	Closure

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