This fully-resourced lesson describes the process of DNA replication and explains how this ensures genetic continuity between generations. Both the detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 1.5.2 of the AQA A-level Biology specification and also explains why it is known as semi-conservative.
The main focus of this lesson is the roles of DNA helicase in the breaking the hydrogen bonds between nucleotide bases and DNA polymerase in forming the growing nucleotide strands. Students are also introduced to DNA ligase to enable them to understand how this enzyme functions to join the nucleic acid fragments. Time is taken to explain key details, such as the assembly of strands in the 5’-to-3’ direction, so that the continuous manner in which the leading strand is synthesised can be compared against that of the lagging strand. The students are constantly challenged to make links to previous topics such as DNA structure and hydrolysis reactions through a range of exam questions and answers are displayed so that any misconceptions are quickly addressed. The main task of the lesson asks the students to use the information provided in the lesson to order the sequence of events in DNA replication before discussing how the presence of a conserved strand and a newly built strand in each new DNA molecule shows that it is semi-conservative.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
This resource hasn't been reviewed yet
To ensure quality for our reviews, only customers who have purchased this resource can review it
Report this resourceto let us know if it violates our terms and conditions.
Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.