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
Grade & Course Recommendation:
Middle School:Grade 8, basic overview of DNA/RNA structure and function.
High School:Grade 9–11 Biology, biomolecules or heredity and protein synthesis unit.
To preview this lesson, click here.
Cross-Curricular Connections:
ELA Integration: Summarizing scientific text and diagram labeling.
Technology Integration: Modeling nucleic acids using digital molecular tools.
Health Science Integration: Connections to genetic testing and forensics.
Daily slide + literacy - based exit ticket included with purchase
HS-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.
Connection: Students explore the structural composition of nucleotides, model the shape of DNA and RNA, and connect structure to genetic function.
HS-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.
Connection: Students investigate how DNA stores hereditary information and how RNA serves as the messenger between genetic code and protein synthesis.
HS-LS3-2: Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from new genetic combinations through meiosis, errors during replication, or mutations caused by environmental factors.
Connection: The lesson builds foundational understanding of nucleic acid structure, essential to later lessons on replication, mutation, and inheritance.
Science & Engineering Practices:
Constructing explanations
Developing and using models
Analyzing and interpreting data
Engaging in argument from evidence
Crosscutting Concepts:
Structure and function
Systems and system models
Cause and effect
MS-LS3-1: Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) may affect proteins and result in different effects on an organism.
Connection: The lesson’s modeling of DNA/RNA bases supports understanding of how sequence changes can alter function.
MS-LS3-2: Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in identical genetic information, while sexual reproduction results in variation.
Connection: The foundation of genetic information storage prepares students for understanding inheritance mechanisms.
Grades 9–10 / 7–8:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2 / RST.6-8.2: Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a scientific text; summarize complex molecular information (DNA and RNA structure).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.4 / RST.6-8.4: Determine the meaning of scientific vocabulary (nucleic acid, nucleotide, base pairing, dehydration synthesis).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.7 / RST.6-8.7: Integrate visual data (molecular diagrams, base pairing illustrations) with text explanations.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.2 / WHST.6-8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts that describe molecular relationships or reactions (hydrolysis, dehydration synthesis).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.9 / WHST.6-8.9: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis and explanation of molecular structure and function.
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
Grade & Course Recommendation:
Middle School:Grade 8, basic overview of DNA/RNA structure and function.
High School:Grade 9–11 Biology, biomolecules or heredity and protein synthesis unit.
To preview this lesson, click here.
Cross-Curricular Connections:
ELA Integration: Summarizing scientific text and diagram labeling.
Technology Integration: Modeling nucleic acids using digital molecular tools.
Health Science Integration: Connections to genetic testing and forensics.
Daily slide + literacy - based exit ticket included with purchase
HS-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.
Connection: Students explore the structural composition of nucleotides, model the shape of DNA and RNA, and connect structure to genetic function.
HS-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.
Connection: Students investigate how DNA stores hereditary information and how RNA serves as the messenger between genetic code and protein synthesis.
HS-LS3-2: Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from new genetic combinations through meiosis, errors during replication, or mutations caused by environmental factors.
Connection: The lesson builds foundational understanding of nucleic acid structure, essential to later lessons on replication, mutation, and inheritance.
Science & Engineering Practices:
Constructing explanations
Developing and using models
Analyzing and interpreting data
Engaging in argument from evidence
Crosscutting Concepts:
Structure and function
Systems and system models
Cause and effect
MS-LS3-1: Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) may affect proteins and result in different effects on an organism.
Connection: The lesson’s modeling of DNA/RNA bases supports understanding of how sequence changes can alter function.
MS-LS3-2: Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in identical genetic information, while sexual reproduction results in variation.
Connection: The foundation of genetic information storage prepares students for understanding inheritance mechanisms.
Grades 9–10 / 7–8:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2 / RST.6-8.2: Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a scientific text; summarize complex molecular information (DNA and RNA structure).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.4 / RST.6-8.4: Determine the meaning of scientific vocabulary (nucleic acid, nucleotide, base pairing, dehydration synthesis).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.7 / RST.6-8.7: Integrate visual data (molecular diagrams, base pairing illustrations) with text explanations.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.2 / WHST.6-8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts that describe molecular relationships or reactions (hydrolysis, dehydration synthesis).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.9 / WHST.6-8.9: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis and explanation of molecular structure and function.
