IB Biology D1.1: DNA replication (first exams in 2025)

This lesson can be purchased as part of the IB Complete course bundle (first exams 2025) at a heavily discounted price, formed of 40 fully resourced lessons, end of topic exams and student checklists. It can be found here

This PowerPoint contains everything you need to teach the Theme/Unit D1.1 DNA replication in the new IB Biology specification.

YouTube video is a preview of the full resource (does not include all slides)

This Powerpoint consists of over 80 slides and contains the followings:

All the information the IB have included in the new spec.

Clear diagrams
Student friendly content
Summary videos
Student research tasks
Clearly identified HL and SL content
Student checklist
Summary

The following content is included:

D1.1.1: Describe DNA replication as the process by which exact copies of DNA are created for use in reproduction, growth and tissue replacement in multicellular organisms.
D1.1.2: Explain the semi-conservative nature of DNA replication and how it allows for a high degree of accuracy when copying base sequences.
D1.1.3: Describe the roles of helicase and DNA polymerase in DNA replication.
D1.1.4: Describe the use of polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis for amplifying and separating DNA.
D1.1.5: Describe the applications for PCR and gel electrophoresis.
D1.1.6: Describe the directionality of DNA polymerases based on the difference between the 5ʹ and 3ʹ terminals of strands of nucleotides.
D1.1.7: Describe replication on both the leading and lagging strands and how these differ.
D1.1.8: Describe the functions of DNA primase, DNA polymerase I, DNA polymerase III and DNA ligase in replication of prokaryotic DNA.
D1.1.9: Explain DNA polymerase III’s role as a proofreader of replicated DNA