This lesson describes how epigenetics, in the form of increased DNA methylation and decreased histone acetylation, controls gene expression. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources are part of the second lesson in a series of 4 which cover the content of point 8.2.2 (regulation of transcription and translation) of the AQA A-level biology specification.
As shown in the cover image, the lesson begins with a challenge, where the students have to recognise the prefix epi. They will learn that this prefix means on or above in Greek meaning epigenetics can be described as factors causing changes to gene function beyond the genetic code. One of several discussion periods is used to encourage them to identify what is not involved here (i.e. gene mutations), and so, epigenetics is introduced as heritable changes in gene function without changes to the base sequence.
Moving forwards, the process of DNA methylation is introduced, and students are challenged to predict how the addition of a methyl group could inhibit transcription before they have to use their prior knowledge of key terms to complete a passage about this concept. The details of a study which considered the correlation between DNA methylation and atherosclerosis are provided to broaden their knowledge and then they have to answer questions about the study using their knowledge of content from topics 1 - 7.
The remainder of the lesson discusses acetylation and students will learn that the removal of acetyl groups from histones causes the chromatin to become highly condensed and prevents the transcription of the gene.
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Topic 8.2: Gene expression is controlled by a number of features (AQA A-level biology)
This bundle contains 5 detailed and engaging lessons, which have been planned to contain a variety of tasks that enable students to assess their understanding of the current topic and encourages them to make links to previously covered topics. The lessons cover the following content from topic 8.2 of the AQA A-level biology specification: * Totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent and unipotent cells * iPS cells * The stimulation or inhibition of the transcription of target genes * Epigenetic control of gene expression by increased DNA methylation and decreased acetylation of histones * The inhibition of translation of target mRNA by RNA interference * The main characteristics of benign and malignant tumours If you would like to view the quality of these lessons, then download the DNA methylation and acetylation lesson as this has been uploaded for free.
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Topic 8: The control of gene expression (AQA A-level Biology)
Each of the 12 lessons included in this bundle have been written to specifically cover the content as detailed in topic 8 of the AQA A-level Biology specification (The control of gene expression). The wide range of activities will maintain engagement whilst supporting the explanations of the biological knowledge to allow the students to build a deep understanding of this potentially difficult topic! Lessons which cover the following specification points are included in this bundle: * Gene mutations and their effect on the structure of proteins * Most of a cell's DNA is not translated * Totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent and unipotent stem cells * Regulation of transcription by transcription factors * The role of oestrogen in initiating transcription * Epigenetic control of gene expression in eukaryotes * Inhibition of transcription by increased DNA methylation or decreased acetylation of histones * Translation of mRNA can be inhibited by RNA interference * The main characteristics of benign and malignant tumours * Determining the genome of simpler organisms to determine the proteome and its applications * The development of DNA sequencing methods * The production of DNA fragments through use of enzymes or a gene machine * The role of the PCR to amplify DNA fragments * The transfer of DNA into a host cell * The use of labelled DNA probes to screen patients for heritable conditions, drug responses and to identify health risks * VNTRs * The technique of genetic fingerprinting to analyse DNA fragments If you would like to see the quality of the lessons, download the producing DNA fragments and DNA methylation and acetylation lessons as these have been uploaded for free
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