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Science lesson plan · 10th grade (Year 11 in England) · 60 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 · 6 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 chloroplasts / outside the cell / in the cell wall / mainly in the nucleus) → 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 an egg cell? → 23Prompt: Is this a gamete (sex cell) or a body cell?
  3. What is a gene? (a type of cell / a section of DNA that codes for a protein / a disease / a whole chromosome) → a section of DNA that codes for a proteinPrompt: Genes are found along chromosomes.

Hook · 6 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 · 12 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 · 12 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. Where does translation take place? (at ribosomes in the cytoplasm / inside the nucleus / in the mitochondria / in the cell membrane) → at ribosomes in the cytoplasmPrompt: Translation builds the protein.
  2. Protein synthesis: which statement is NOT true? (Transcription happens in the nucleus. / Proteins are made of sugars. / A gene is a section of DNA that codes for a protein. / Translation happens at ribosomes.) → Proteins are made of sugars.Prompt: Does DNA ever leave the nucleus?

You do: independent practice · 17 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 · 7 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? (Proteins are made of sugars. / Transcription happens in the nucleus. / Translation happens at ribosomes. / The order of bases decides the order of amino acids.) → Proteins are made of sugars.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

    Protein synthesis: which statement is NOT true?

    • A. Transcription happens in the nucleus.
    • B. Proteins are made of sugars.
    • C. The order of bases decides the order of amino acids.
    • D. Translation happens at ribosomes.

  2. Question 2

    Why does the final shape of a protein matter?

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

  3. Question 3

    What does a sequence of three bases (a codon) code for?

    • A. one amino acid
    • B. one gene
    • C. one chromosome
    • D. one protein

  4. Question 4

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

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

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Answer key: From gene to protein: transcription and translation

  1. 1. B. Proteins are made of sugars.

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

  3. 3. A. one amino acid

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