This lesson describes the general structure of the 20 amino acids found in proteins and makes clear links to related topics such as genes. The PowerPoint has been designed to cover specification point 2.1.2 (k) of the OCR A-level Biology A course and provides a clear introduction to the following lesson on the formation of dipeptides and polypeptides.
The lesson begins with a prior knowledge check, where the students have to use the 1st letters of 4 answers to uncover a key term. This 4-letter key term is gene and the lesson begins with this word because it is important for students to understand that these sequences of bases on DNA determine the specific sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide. Moving forwards, students are given discussion time to work out that there are 64 different DNA triplets and will learn that these encode for the 20 amino acids that are common to all organisms. The main task of the lesson is an observational one, where students are given time to study the displayed formula of 4 amino acids. They are not allowed to draw anything during this time but will be challenged with 3 multiple choice questions at the end. This task has been designed to allow the students to visualise how the 20 amino acids share common features in an amine and an acid group. A quick quiz round introduces the R group and time is taken to explain how the structure of this side chain is the only structural difference. Students will be introduced to the existence of hydrophobic, hydrophilic, acidic and basic R groups so that they are able to apply this knowledge in future lessons where structure and shape is considered. Some time is also given to look at cysteine in greater detail due to the presence of sulfur atoms and once again a link is made to disulfide bridges for upcoming lessons. The lesson concludes with one more quiz round called LINK TO THE FUTURE where the students will see the roles played by amino acids in the later part of the course such as translation and in the formation of dipeptides.
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Cell structure & biological molecules (OCR A-level Biology A)
It's fair to say that cell structure and biological molecules are two of the most important topics in the OCR A-level Biology A course and all 19 lessons that are included in this bundle have been planned at length to cover the module 2.1.1 & 2.1.2 specification points in the detail required at this level. The lesson PowerPoints and their accompanying resources contain a wide range of tasks as well as regular checks to allow students to assess their understanding of the current content as well as prior knowledge checks to emphasise the importance of making links to topics in other modules. The following specification points in modules 2.1.1 (cell structure) and 2.1.2 (biological molecules) are covered by the lessons in this bundle: 2.1.1 * The use of microscopy to observe and investigate different types of cell and cell structure in a range of eukaryotic organisms * The use of the eyepiece graticule and stage micrometer * The use of staining in light microscopy * The use and manipulation of the magnification formula * The difference between magnification and resolution * The ultrastructure of eukaryotic cells and the functions of the different cellular components * The interrelationship between the organelles involved in the production and secretion of proteins * The importance of the cytoskeleton * The similarities and differences between the ultrastructure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells 2.1.2 * The properties and roles of water in living organisms * The concept of monomers and polymers and the importance of condensation and hydrolysis reactions * The chemical elements that make up biological molecules * The structure and properties of glucose and ribose * The synthesis and breakdown of a disaccharide and a polysaccharide by the formation and breakage of glycosidic bonds * The structure of starch, glycogen and cellulose molecules * The relationship between the structure, function and roles of triglycerides, phospholipids and cholesterol in living organisms * The general structure of an amino acid * The synthesis and breakdown of dipeptides and polypeptides * The levels of protein structure * The structure and function of globular proteins * The properties and functions of fibrous proteins * The key inorganic ions involved in biological processes * The chemical tests for proteins, reducing and non-reducing sugars, starch and lipids If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons included in this bundle, then download the following lessons as they have been uploaded for free: * The use of microscopy * The importance of the cytoskeleton * Properties and roles of water * Glucose & ribose * General structure of an amino acid * Dipeptides, polypeptides and protein structure
Module 2.1.2: Biological molecules (OCR A-level Biology A)
The biological molecules sub-module is incredibly important, not just because it is found near to the start of the course, but also because of its detailed content which must be well understood to promote success with most of the other OCR A-level Biology A modules. Many hours of intricate planning have gone into the design of all of the 13 lessons that are included in this bundle to ensure that the content is covered in detail, understanding is constantly checked and misconceptions addressed and that engagement is high. This is achieved through the wide variety of tasks in the PowerPoints and accompanying worksheets which include exam-style questions with clear answers, discussion points, differentiated tasks and quick quiz competitions. The following specification points are covered by the lessons within this bundle: * The relationship between the properties of water and its roles for living organisms * The concept of monomers and polymers and the importance of condensation and hydrolysis reactions * The chemical elements that make up biological molecules * The ring structure and properties of glucose and structure of ribose * The synthesis and breakdown of a disaccharide and a polysaccharide * The relationship between the structures, properties and functions of starch, glycogen and cellulose * The structure of a triglyceride and a phospholipid as macromolecules * The synthesis and breakdown of triglycerides * The relationship between the properties and functions of triglycerides, phospholipids and cholesterol * The general structure of an amino acid * The synthesis and breakdown of dipeptides and polypeptides * The levels of protein structure * The structure and function of globular proteins * The properties and functions of fibrous proteins * The key inorganic ions that are involved in biological processes * How to carry out and interpret the results of the chemical tests for proteins, reducing and non-reducing sugars, starch and lipids Due to the detail of each of these lessons, it is estimated that it will take in excess of 6 weeks of allocated teaching time to cover the content. If you would like to see the quality of the lessons, download the properties of water, glucose & ribose, amino acids and dipeptides and polypeptides lessons as these have been shared for free
Proteins (OCR A-level Biology)
According to Bill Bryson's book, "THE BODY", estimates of the number of proteins in the human body range from a few hundred thousand to a million or more. Regardless of whether the actual number is closer to the bottom or the top estimate, as most of the useful things in the body are proteins, it is clear that a deep understanding of the structure and function of this biological molecule is critical for the success of any student on the OCR A-level Biology A course. All 5 of the lessons included in this bundle are highly detailed and contain a wide range of tasks that will engage and motivate the students whilst ensuring that the specification points in module 2.1.2 regarding proteins are covered. The following content is covered by the lessons in this bundle: * The general structure of an amino acid * The synthesis and breakdown of dipeptides and polypeptides, by the formation and breakage of peptide bonds * The levels of proteins structure * The structure and function of globular proteins * The properties and functions of fibrous proteins * The biuret test for proteins The 5th lesson is a revision lesson which uses a range of exam-style questions, understanding checks and quiz competitions to check on the students knowledge of the specification details listed above
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A great interactive resource, ideal for online learning. Many thanks.
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