This fully-resourced lesson describes how genes can be switched on and off by DNA transcription factors, including hormones. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 7.16 as detailed in the Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology A specification but also links to topic 3 when the lac operon was described in relation to differential gene expression.
This is one of the more difficult concepts in this A-level course and therefore key points are reiterated throughout this lesson to increase the likelihood of student understanding and to support them when trying to make links to actual biological examples in living organisms. There is a clear connection to transcription and translation as covered in topic 2, so the lesson begins by reminding students that in addition to the structural gene in a transcription unit, there is the promotor region where RNA polymerase binds. Students are introduced to the idea of transcription factors and will understand how these molecules can activate or repress transcription by enabling or preventing the binding of the enzyme. At this point, students are challenged on their current understanding with a series of questions about DELLA proteins so they can see how these molecules prevent the binding of RNA polymerase. Their remainder of the lesson looks at the ER receptor and students will learn that this factor is normally inactive due to an inhibitor being attached. This will then introduce oestrogen as the hormone which binds to the receptor, causing the inhibitor to be released and activating the factor. The main task then challenges them to order statements containing the detailed events that follow the binding of oestrogen.
The lesson in topic 3 on gene expression which describes the lac operon has also been uploaded for free.
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