Students compare DNA and RNA and explain their function.
This digital lesson develops student understanding of nucleic acid structure and function through visual analysis, targeted reading, and classification practice. Students examine how nucleotides form DNA and RNA and how complementary base pairing encodes biological information.
Students begin by identifying:
the components of a nucleotide
the overall structure of DNA
how nucleotides connect to form nucleic acid polymers
They then read a short article explaining:
the chemical structure of nucleic acids
differences between DNA and RNA
complementary base pairing
the roles of hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis in nucleic acid formation and breakdown
Students apply this information by:
determining complementary strands for given DNA sequences
distinguishing between nucleotides, DNA, and RNA in visual models
categorizing images of objects and molecules as nucleic acids, other organic molecules, or inorganic substances
The lesson emphasizes:
connection between molecular structure and biological role
accurate identification of nucleic acid components
use of visual evidence to support classification
This lesson is designed to support:
understanding of nucleic acid composition
comparison of DNA and RNA
application of base-pairing rules
integration of chemistry concepts into biology
It functions well as:
a core lesson within a biomolecules or molecular biology unit
a reinforcement activity after direct instruction
or a structured digital alternative to traditional notes and worksheets
To preview this lesson, click here.
NGSS Alignment (High School):
HS-LS3-1
NGSS Alignment (Middle School):
MS-LS3-1
Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs):
Developing and Using Models
Constructing Explanations
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):
Structure and Function
Cause and Effect
Systems and System Models
Common Core (Literacy in Science):
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2 / RST.6-8.2; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.4 / RST.6-8.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.7 / RST.6-8.7; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.2 / WHST.6-8.2
Bundle Upgrade Policy
This lesson is included in one or more bundles. To support flexible purchasing and long-term use of our curriculum, Lesson Laboratory offers a bundle upgrade policy.
If you purchase this lesson and decide at a later date that you would like to upgrade to a bundle, you may request a store credit equal to the total amount paid for duplicate items.
To request an upgrade credit, please email thelessonlaboratory@gmail.com and include:
Your username
The order numbers for both the original purchase(s) and the bundle
The names of the duplicate resources
Requests must be submitted within 30 days of the bundle purchase. Credits are issued as store credit for future Lesson Laboratory purchases and are not provided as cash refunds.
This policy applies only to purchases of resources that are later included in a Lesson Laboratory bundle and is limited to one adjustment per upgrade pathway.
Students compare DNA and RNA and explain their function.
This digital lesson develops student understanding of nucleic acid structure and function through visual analysis, targeted reading, and classification practice. Students examine how nucleotides form DNA and RNA and how complementary base pairing encodes biological information.
Students begin by identifying:
the components of a nucleotide
the overall structure of DNA
how nucleotides connect to form nucleic acid polymers
They then read a short article explaining:
the chemical structure of nucleic acids
differences between DNA and RNA
complementary base pairing
the roles of hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis in nucleic acid formation and breakdown
Students apply this information by:
determining complementary strands for given DNA sequences
distinguishing between nucleotides, DNA, and RNA in visual models
categorizing images of objects and molecules as nucleic acids, other organic molecules, or inorganic substances
The lesson emphasizes:
connection between molecular structure and biological role
accurate identification of nucleic acid components
use of visual evidence to support classification
This lesson is designed to support:
understanding of nucleic acid composition
comparison of DNA and RNA
application of base-pairing rules
integration of chemistry concepts into biology
It functions well as:
a core lesson within a biomolecules or molecular biology unit
a reinforcement activity after direct instruction
or a structured digital alternative to traditional notes and worksheets
To preview this lesson, click here.
NGSS Alignment (High School):
HS-LS3-1
NGSS Alignment (Middle School):
MS-LS3-1
Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs):
Developing and Using Models
Constructing Explanations
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):
Structure and Function
Cause and Effect
Systems and System Models
Common Core (Literacy in Science):
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2 / RST.6-8.2; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.4 / RST.6-8.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.7 / RST.6-8.7; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.2 / WHST.6-8.2
Bundle Upgrade Policy
This lesson is included in one or more bundles. To support flexible purchasing and long-term use of our curriculum, Lesson Laboratory offers a bundle upgrade policy.
If you purchase this lesson and decide at a later date that you would like to upgrade to a bundle, you may request a store credit equal to the total amount paid for duplicate items.
To request an upgrade credit, please email thelessonlaboratory@gmail.com and include:
Your username
The order numbers for both the original purchase(s) and the bundle
The names of the duplicate resources
Requests must be submitted within 30 days of the bundle purchase. Credits are issued as store credit for future Lesson Laboratory purchases and are not provided as cash refunds.
This policy applies only to purchases of resources that are later included in a Lesson Laboratory bundle and is limited to one adjustment per upgrade pathway.
