Foundational Genetics Lesson on How DNA Makes Proteins.
This lesson introduces students to the purpose and process of protein synthesis by guiding them through the flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein. The activities are sequenced to build understanding of transcription and translation as connected but distinct stages of the process.
Students begin by defining and distinguishing key terms related to gene expression, including DNA replication, transcription, and translation. They place vocabulary and ideas into a visual model of the central dogma, reinforcing both the order of events and the cellular locations where each step occurs. Students also examine how RNA differs structurally and functionally from DNA.
Students then focus on transcription, with explicit attention to base-pairing rules and the role of uracil. They practice transcribing short DNA sequences to build accuracy and confidence with this step before moving on to translation.
During translation, students use a codon chart to match mRNA codons to amino acids. A guided decoding activity allows them to apply this skill in a structured way, with optional animated support available for students who need additional modeling of the conversion process.
Students apply both transcription and translation together by working through complete examples that model how a gene becomes a protein. The lesson concludes with an introduction to how mutations can change DNA sequences and alter the resulting protein, setting the stage for later lessons on genetic variation and disease.
This lesson is designed as a foundational introduction to protein synthesis and is intended to precede mutation analysis, codon decoding practice, and genetic disease case studies. It provides students with the conceptual framework they need before moving into more procedural or applied genetics work.
To preview this lesson, click here.
Grade & Course Recommendation:
High School:Grades 9–11 Biology, gene expression and central dogma unit.
Cross-Curricular Connections:
ELA Integration: Writing explanatory summaries connecting transcription and translation.
Technology Integration: Use of models or simulations to visualize protein synthesis.
Health Science Integration: Real-world examples like insulin production and genetic disorders.
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 essential life functions through systems of specialized cells.
Connection: Students explicitly trace the pathway from DNA sequence to mRNA to amino acid chain, linking genetic code to protein function.
HS-LS3-1: Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for traits passed from parents to offspring.
Connection: Students explore how changes in DNA sequence (mutations) could alter mRNA and protein outcomes.
HS-LS1-6: Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and other large carbon-based molecules.
Connection: The lesson introduces amino acid formation as a key part of protein synthesis.
Science & Engineering Practices:
Developing and using models (to visualize transcription and translation)
Constructing explanations and designing solutions
Analyzing and interpreting data
Crosscutting Concepts:
Structure and function
Systems and system models
Information flow, feedback, and regulation
Grades 9–10:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2 : Determine central ideas or conclusions of a text and summarize processes such as transcription and translation.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.4: Determine the meaning of domain-specific vocabulary (codon, amino acid, translation, ribosome).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.7: Integrate visual information (base-pairing models and codon tables) with textual explanations.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.2: Write explanatory texts to convey scientific concepts (e.g., describing how DNA codes for proteins).
Foundational Genetics Lesson on How DNA Makes Proteins.
This lesson introduces students to the purpose and process of protein synthesis by guiding them through the flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein. The activities are sequenced to build understanding of transcription and translation as connected but distinct stages of the process.
Students begin by defining and distinguishing key terms related to gene expression, including DNA replication, transcription, and translation. They place vocabulary and ideas into a visual model of the central dogma, reinforcing both the order of events and the cellular locations where each step occurs. Students also examine how RNA differs structurally and functionally from DNA.
Students then focus on transcription, with explicit attention to base-pairing rules and the role of uracil. They practice transcribing short DNA sequences to build accuracy and confidence with this step before moving on to translation.
During translation, students use a codon chart to match mRNA codons to amino acids. A guided decoding activity allows them to apply this skill in a structured way, with optional animated support available for students who need additional modeling of the conversion process.
Students apply both transcription and translation together by working through complete examples that model how a gene becomes a protein. The lesson concludes with an introduction to how mutations can change DNA sequences and alter the resulting protein, setting the stage for later lessons on genetic variation and disease.
This lesson is designed as a foundational introduction to protein synthesis and is intended to precede mutation analysis, codon decoding practice, and genetic disease case studies. It provides students with the conceptual framework they need before moving into more procedural or applied genetics work.
To preview this lesson, click here.
Grade & Course Recommendation:
High School:Grades 9–11 Biology, gene expression and central dogma unit.
Cross-Curricular Connections:
ELA Integration: Writing explanatory summaries connecting transcription and translation.
Technology Integration: Use of models or simulations to visualize protein synthesis.
Health Science Integration: Real-world examples like insulin production and genetic disorders.
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 essential life functions through systems of specialized cells.
Connection: Students explicitly trace the pathway from DNA sequence to mRNA to amino acid chain, linking genetic code to protein function.
HS-LS3-1: Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for traits passed from parents to offspring.
Connection: Students explore how changes in DNA sequence (mutations) could alter mRNA and protein outcomes.
HS-LS1-6: Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and other large carbon-based molecules.
Connection: The lesson introduces amino acid formation as a key part of protein synthesis.
Science & Engineering Practices:
Developing and using models (to visualize transcription and translation)
Constructing explanations and designing solutions
Analyzing and interpreting data
Crosscutting Concepts:
Structure and function
Systems and system models
Information flow, feedback, and regulation
Grades 9–10:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2 : Determine central ideas or conclusions of a text and summarize processes such as transcription and translation.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.4: Determine the meaning of domain-specific vocabulary (codon, amino acid, translation, ribosome).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.7: Integrate visual information (base-pairing models and codon tables) with textual explanations.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.2: Write explanatory texts to convey scientific concepts (e.g., describing how DNA codes for proteins).
