Unlocking the Code: DNA Replication, Transcription, and Translation

Biology Grades High School 15:23 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore the central dogma of molecular biology: DNA replication, transcription, and translation. Learn how DNA's structure enables heredity through replication and how its information is expressed through RNA and protein synthesis.

Video Resource

DNA replication and RNA transcription and translation | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 15:23
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • DNA Replication: The process by which DNA makes copies of itself.
  • Transcription: The process by which the information in DNA is copied into mRNA.
  • Translation: The process by which the information in mRNA is used to synthesize proteins.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to describe the process of DNA replication and its importance in cell division.
  • Students will be able to explain the processes of transcription and translation and how they contribute to gene expression.
  • Students will be able to differentiate between DNA and RNA in terms of structure and function.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing the structure of DNA (double helix, base pairing rules). Briefly discuss the role of DNA as the molecular basis of heredity.
  • Video Viewing (15 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video "DNA replication and RNA transcription and translation". Encourage students to take notes on the key processes and vocabulary.
  • Replication Discussion (10 mins)
    Discuss DNA replication. Focus on how the two strands of DNA separate, and each serves as a template for creating a new complementary strand. Emphasize the role of base pairing (A-T, C-G).
  • Transcription and Translation Discussion (15 mins)
    Discuss transcription and translation. Explain how mRNA is created from a DNA template during transcription. Then explain how mRNA is used to synthesize proteins during translation, including the role of ribosomes and tRNA. Clarify the difference between codons and amino acids.
  • Recap and Q&A (5 mins)
    Summarize the central dogma of molecular biology (DNA -> RNA -> Protein). Answer any remaining student questions.

Interactive Exercises

  • DNA Replication Modeling
    Students work in small groups to create a model of DNA replication using colored paper or online simulation. They should demonstrate how the DNA strands separate and how new complementary strands are synthesized.
  • Transcription and Translation Simulation
    Use an online simulation or a hands-on activity to model the processes of transcription and translation. Students can 'transcribe' a DNA sequence into mRNA and then 'translate' the mRNA into a protein sequence using a codon chart.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important for DNA to be able to replicate accurately?
  • How does the structure of DNA facilitate replication?
  • What are the key differences between transcription and translation?
  • What role does RNA play in gene expression?
  • How does a codon relate to an amino acid?

Skills Developed

  • Critical thinking
  • Model building
  • Scientific communication
  • Data Interpretation

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the process by which DNA makes copies of itself?

Correct Answer: Replication

Question 2:

During DNA replication, adenine (A) always pairs with:

Correct Answer: Thymine (T)

Question 3:

What is the process by which the information in DNA is copied into mRNA?

Correct Answer: Transcription

Question 4:

In RNA, which base replaces thymine (T)?

Correct Answer: Uracil (U)

Question 5:

What is the process by which the information in mRNA is used to synthesize proteins?

Correct Answer: Translation

Question 6:

A sequence of three bases in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid is called a:

Correct Answer: Codon

Question 7:

Which molecule is responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosome during translation?

Correct Answer: tRNA

Question 8:

Proteins are made up of sequences of:

Correct Answer: Amino acids

Question 9:

The enzyme responsible for unwinding DNA during replication is called:

Correct Answer:

Question 10:

Where does translation take place in a cell?

Correct Answer: Ribosome

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The double helix structure is characteristic of the macromolecule called ________.

Correct Answer: DNA

Question 2:

During DNA replication, ________ pairs with thymine.

Correct Answer: adenine

Question 3:

The process of creating mRNA from a DNA template is called ________.

Correct Answer: transcription

Question 4:

In RNA, uracil replaces the base ________ found in DNA.

Correct Answer: thymine

Question 5:

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA is called ________.

Correct Answer: translation

Question 6:

A three-base sequence on mRNA that codes for an amino acid is called a ________.

Correct Answer: codon

Question 7:

________ RNA molecules are responsible for carrying amino acids to the ribosome.

Correct Answer: transfer

Question 8:

Proteins are polymers made up of ________.

Correct Answer: amino acids

Question 9:

The process of DNA replication ensures that each new cell receives a complete copy of the ________.

Correct Answer: genome

Question 10:

The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information as DNA to RNA to ________.

Correct Answer: protein

Educational Standards

B.LS1.1:Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells. B.LS3.1:Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.

Teaching Materials

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