Curriculum Link > Biology 12

Cell Compounds and Biological Molecules

• Analyse the structure and function of biological molecules in living systems, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids

DNA Replication

• Describe DNA replication

Protein Synthesis

• Demonstrate an understanding of the process of protein synthesis

What is the animation about?
This animation visually depicts the process of gene expression, including the processes of transcription and translation.  It follows the events that trigger gene expression and highlights how a protein is processed to acquire its specific structure and function.

• Student worksheet
• Teacher key and notes

Using the animation in the classroom

• You could watch the animation as a class and then discuss the content as a group.
• After viewing the animation as a class, you could use the provided web worksheet and have students answer the questions in pairs or on their own.
• You could have students watch the animation on their own and then answer the questions on the accompanying worksheet.
• The animation and provided worksheet could also be used as a preview activity for a larger project.  
  • For example, students could be asked to create a model for gene expression.  They would have to compare the different processes involved to the processes that occur in another setting (example:  processes in a city, a factory, or a restaurant.)
  • Students could also be asked to make a poster or build a physical model of gene expression. They could create a model of a cell and indicate where the gene expression events occur.