The structure of DNA
I can describe the structure of DNA.
The structure of DNA
I can describe the structure of DNA.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- DNA is a type of biological molecule called a nucleic acid.
- DNA is made of two strands, each a long polymer of nucleotides.
- DNA is a polymer of four different nucleotides (A, C, G and T).
- The two strands in DNA are wound together in a double helix shape.
- Making a physical, representational model of DNA.
Keywords
DNA - DNA is a nucleic acid polymer made up of four nucleotides, it contains the genetic code in all living organisms.
Nucleic acid - A nucleic acid is a polymer made up of nucleotides, an example is DNA.
Polymer - A polymer is a chemical made up of smaller repeating chemical groups.
Nucleotide - A nucleotide is a chemical group that make up the building blocks of DNA, the four types are coded A, T, C and G.
Double helix - A DNA molecule is made up of two nucleic acid chains that spiral around each other to form a double helix.
Common misconception
DNA is living and not necessarily a chemical.
Discussing that DNA is a chemical molecule and showing how it is made up of smaller chemical groups, and then modelling this chemical structure.
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: The structure of DNA, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: The structure of DNA, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the DNA and the genome unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The drawing shows a bacterial cell. Which structure (A, B or C) contains the genetic material?
Q2.Which is the best definition of a gene?
Q3.All organisms have similarities in their DNA. Put these examples in order, starting with the example of two things that have the most similar DNA.
Q4.What do scientists call the sections of DNA in a chromosome that lie between genes?
Q5.True or false? Only genes make up the genome of an organism.
Q6.Which is the best explanation for why the genomes of humans and bananas have similarities?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In plant and animal cells, the genome is stored in the ...
Q2.DNA is a nucleic acid polymer. How many nucleic acid strands make up each DNA molecule?
Q3.Put these in size order, starting with the smallest.
Q4.The photograph shows a model of part of a DNA molecule. It is made from liquorice and jelly babies. What would improve the model?
Q5.Scientists often use models such as the DNA models you have studied. Why?
Q6.Match the word to its meaning.
a polymer made of four nucleotides, which make up the genetic code
a chemical made from many smaller chemical groups
a polymer made up of nucleotides, an example is DNA
the building blocks for nucleic acids and DNA