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Science lesson plan · 10th grade (Year 11 in England) · 30 minutes

From gene to protein: transcription and translation

Cells, genetics and evolution

CCSS NGSS.HS-LS1-1CCSS NGSS.HS-LS3-1England: GCSE Biology: Inheritance, variation and evolution (protein synthesis)

Objective and success criteria

Students will: From gene to protein: transcription and translation.

  • I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
  • I can explain each step and say why it works.
  • I can check my answer and spot a mistake.

Before and after

Needs first: DNA, genes and chromosomes

Leads to: Bases, codons and amino acids: genetic code calculations

Materials: Microscope images or slides, Cell diagrams, Mini whiteboards, A diagram or short video clip of the idea, Printed student sheet (below).

Warm-up · 4 min

  • Quick retrieval from earlier learning (DNA, genes and chromosomes). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
  • Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
  1. Where is DNA found in an animal cell? (in the cell wall / outside the cell / mainly in the nucleus / in the chloroplasts) → mainly in the nucleusPrompt: It is the control centre of the cell.
  2. Human body cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes. How many chromosomes are in a skin cell? → 46Prompt: Is this a gamete (sex cell) or a body cell?
  3. What is a gene? (a section of DNA that codes for a protein / a whole chromosome / a type of cell / a disease) → a section of DNA that codes for a proteinPrompt: Genes are found along chromosomes.

Hook · 3 min

  • Show a microscope image of cells and ask what students think they are looking at.
  • Share the objective: From gene to protein: transcription and translation. Read the success criteria together.

I do: model it · 7 min

  • Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
  • Example: Why is an mRNA copy needed? DNA could be used directly…
  • Step 1: mRNA is small enough to pass through pores in the nuclear membrane.
  • Step 2: So the answer is: DNA is too large to leave the nucleus, so a smaller copy carries the code to the ribosome
  • Answer: DNA is too large to leave the nucleus, so a smaller copy carries the code to the ribosome
  • Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

We do: guided practice · 6 min

  • Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
  • Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
  1. Why does the final shape of a protein matter? (Its shape lets it do its job, such as an enzyme's active site / All proteins have the same shape / Shape does not matter / Shape decides the colour of the cell) → Its shape lets it do its job, such as an enzyme's active sitePrompt: Think about enzymes and antibodies.
  2. Protein synthesis: which statement is NOT true? (Each base codes for one amino acid. / The order of bases decides the order of amino acids. / Translation happens at ribosomes. / A gene is a section of DNA that codes for a protein.) → Each base codes for one amino acid.Prompt: Does DNA ever leave the nucleus?

You do: independent practice · 7 min

  • Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
  • Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 4 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

Exit ticket · 3 min

  • Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
  1. What does a sequence of three bases (a codon) code for? (one amino acid / one gene / one chromosome / one protein) → one amino acidPrompt: Proteins are chains of these units.
  2. Protein synthesis: which statement is NOT true? (The order of bases decides the order of amino acids. / A gene is a section of DNA that codes for a protein. / Each base codes for one amino acid. / Transcription happens in the nucleus.) → Each base codes for one amino acid.Prompt: Does DNA ever leave the nucleus?

Watch out for

  • Everyday meanings of words getting in the way of the science meaning: define key words explicitly.
  • Remembering facts without the reason: ask "why?" and "what is the evidence?"

Support and stretch

Support

  • Review first: DNA, genes and chromosomes.
  • Use concrete materials: microscope images or slides.
  • Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
  • Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.

Stretch

  • Move on to: Bases, codons and amino acids: genetic code calculations.
  • Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
  • Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.

Homework and more practice

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-10.

Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder

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From gene to protein: transcription and translation

Name

Date

Score/ 4

  1. Question 1

    Where does translation take place?

    • A. in the mitochondria
    • B. at ribosomes in the cytoplasm
    • C. inside the nucleus
    • D. in the cell membrane

  2. Question 2

    Protein synthesis: which statement is NOT true?

    • A. The order of bases decides the order of amino acids.
    • B. Transcription happens in the nucleus.
    • C. Translation happens at ribosomes.
    • D. DNA leaves the nucleus to make proteins.

  3. Question 3

    Why does the final shape of a protein matter?

    • A. All proteins have the same shape
    • B. Shape does not matter
    • C. Shape decides the colour of the cell
    • D. Its shape lets it do its job, such as an enzyme's active site

  4. Question 4

    Why is an mRNA copy needed? DNA could be used directly…

    • A. Ribosomes are inside the nucleus
    • B. DNA is a protein
    • C. DNA is too large to leave the nucleus, so a smaller copy carries the code to the ribosome
    • D. mRNA is made of amino acids

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Answer key: From gene to protein: transcription and translation

  1. 1. B. at ribosomes in the cytoplasm

  2. 2. D. DNA leaves the nucleus to make proteins.

  3. 3. D. Its shape lets it do its job, such as an enzyme's active site

  4. 4. C. DNA is too large to leave the nucleus, so a smaller copy carries the code to the ribosome