9th Grade. Nucleic Acids

DNA & RNA (Nucleic Acids)

Learning Outcomes

Content: to be able to explain different roles of DNA and RNA in the cell;

to be able to explain relationship between the DNA, RNA and protein molecules in the cell.

Language: to be able to use specific vocabulary in explaining molecules in your body; clearly and concisely summarise facts and describe their interrelationships.

1 (team work) Answer the question: ‘What is DNA and WHY do we need it?’

2 (individual work) Answer the question after reading the text. ‘What role does complementary base pairing play in the functions of nucleic acids?’

If the primary structure of polypeptides determines a protein’s shape, what determines primary structure? The amino acid sequence of a polypeptide is programmed by a discrete unit of inheritance known as a gene. Genes consist of DNA, which belongs to the class of compounds called nucleic acids. Nucleic acids are polymers made of monomers called nucleotides.The two types of nucleic acids, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), enable living organisms to reproduce their complex components from one generation to the next. Unique among molecules, DNA provides directions for its own replication. DNA also directs RNA synthesis and, through RNA, controls protein synthesis; this entire process is called gene expression.A gene’s meaning to the cell is encoded in its specific sequence of the four DNA bases. DNA molecules have two polynucleotides, or “strands,” that wind around an imaginary axis, forming a double helix. In base pairing, only certain bases in the double helix are compatible with each other. Adenine (A) in one strand always pairs with thymine (T) in the other, and guanine (G) always pairs with cytosine (C). Note that in RNA, adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U); thymine (T) is not present in RNA.

3 (individual work). Do you know meaning of the words and phrases in the video? Use a dictionary to match the words with their translation.

blueprint

to line up

sequence

noodle

4 (individual work). Answer questions after watching the DNA & RNA video (https://goo.gl/FusGSw).

1. How can a DNA act as a blueprint for something as complex and wonderful as a dog?
2. Explain the chain of events from DNA molecule to the protein.

5 (pair work). Construct a table that organises the following terms, and label the columns and rows.

Monosaccharides Fatty acids Polypeptides Triacylglycerols

Polynucleotides Polysaccharides Amino acids Nucleotides