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This lesson focuses on the degenerate nature of the genetic code and explains how a mutation may not result in a change to the sequence of amino acids. The PowerPoint has been designed to cover the first part of point 4.3 of the AQA A-level Biology specification and it makes links to the upcoming lesson on gene mutations.
The lesson begins by introducing the terms near universal and non-overlapping in addition to degenerate. A quick quiz competition is used to generate the number 20 so that the students can learn that there are 20 proteinogenic amino acids in the genetic code. This leads into a challenge, where they have to use their prior knowledge of DNA to calculate the number of different DNA triplets (64) and the mismatch in number is then discussed and related back to the lesson topic. Moving forwards, base substitutions and base deletions are briefly introduced so that they can see how although one substitution can change the primary structure, another will change the codon but not the encoded amino acid. The lesson concludes with a brief look at the non-overlapping nature of the code so that the impact of a base deletion (or insertion) can be understood when covered in greater detail in topic 8.
This lesson has been specifically designed to tie in with the other lessons from topic 4.3 on gene mutations, chromosome mutations and meiosis.
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Topic 4: Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms (AQA A-level Biology)
Every one of the lessons included in this bundle is detailed, engaging and fully-resourced, and has been written to cover the content as detailed in topic 4 of the AQA A-level Biology specification. The wide range of activities will maintain engagement whilst supporting the explanations of the content to allow the students to build a deep understanding of genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms. The following 18 lessons covering the 7 sub-topics are included in this bundle: 4.1: DNA, genes and chromosomes * DNA in prokaryotes and eukaryotes * Genes 4.2: DNA and protein synthesis * Genome, proteome and the structure of RNA * Transcription and splicing * Translation 4.3: Genetic diversity can arise as a result of mutation or during meiosis * The genetic code * Gene mutations * Chromosome mutations * Meiosis 4.4: Genetic diversity and adaptation * Genetic diversity * Natural selection * Directional and stabilising selection * Adaptations 4.5: Species and taxonomy * Species and taxonomy 4.6: Biodiversity within a community * Biodiversity within a community * Calculating an index of diversity * The balance between conservation and farming 4.7: Investigating diversity * Investigating diversity * Interpreting mean values and the standard deviation If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons in this bundle, then download the DNA in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, structure of RNA, gene mutations, natural selection and standard deviation lessons as these have been uploaded for free
Topics 4.1, 4.2 & 4.3 (AQA A-level Biology)
Each of the 9 lessons which are included in this bundle have been written to specifically cover the content as detailed in topics 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 of the AQA A-level Biology specification. 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 genetic information Lessons which cover the following specification points are included in this bundle: * DNA in prokaryotes and eukaryotes * Genes * Genome, proteome and the structure of RNA * Transcription and splicing * Translation * The genetic code * Gene mutations * Chromosome mutations * Meiosis If you would like to see the quality of the lessons, download the structure of DNA, RNA and gene mutations lessons as these have been uploaded for free
AQA A-level Biology Topic 4.3 (Genetic diversity can arise as a result of mutation or meiosis)
Each of the 4 lessons in this bundle are fully-resourced and have been designed to cover the content as detailed in topic 4.3 (Genetic diversity can arise as a result of mutation or meiosis) of the AQA A-Level Biology specification. The specification points that are covered within these lessons include: * Base deletions and base substitutions as examples of gene mutations * The degenerate nature of the genetic code * Mutagenic agents increase the rate of mutation * Chromosome mutations arise spontaneously during meiosis * Meiosis produces genetically different daughter cells * Crossing over and independent segregation as events that contribute to genetic variation The lessons have been written to include a wide range of activities and numerous understanding and prior knowledge checks so students can assess their progress against the current topic as well as be challenged to make links to other topics within this topic and earlier topics If you would like to see the quality of the lessons, download the gene mutations lesson which is free
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