Unit 6
DNA
UNIT TITLE
(18 Days)
Enduring Understanding: DNA contains genes which dictate the structure and physiology of organisms. Proteins are made by decoding DNA
through the processes of transcription and translation. Mutations in DNA can increase variety in organisms or be harmful and result in disorders
and other health problems.
Essential Questions
What are DNA and RNA? What are ribosomes?
(2days)
How does DNA maintain & pass genetic
information from cell to cell? (2 days)

SC.912.L.16.3 Describe the basic process of DNA replication and how it relates to the
transmission and conservation of the genetic information.
o The student will describe what are DNA and RNA and their structure.
o The student will explain what the function of ribosomes is.
o The student will compare the differences between prokaryotic and
eukaryotic chromosomal structure.
o Students will model DNA Replication.
o Students will explain how DNA replication conserves the genetic
information for the parent and daughter cells.
o Students will recognize DNA Replication as necessary for providing copies of
genetic information to pass from one generation of cells to the next.
Required Topic: DNA Structure - Suggested Activity: DNA Replication Lab
Required Topic: DNA Structure
Explain the processes that occur to synthesize
protein. (3 days)
Required Topic: Protein Synthesis
What regulates gene expression in prokaryotes
and eukaryotes? (3 days)
What role do mutations play in gene
expression and phenotypic change? (2 days)
SC.912.L.16.5 Explain the processes of transcription and translation, and how they result in
the expression of genes.
 The student will explain how the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic
chromosomes impacts gene regulation in the two cell types.
 The student will describe the process of transcription and its place in gene
expression.
 The student will identify exons & introns and describe their participation in gene
expression.
 The student will explain the process of translation and how it fits in protein
synthesis.
Required Topic: Protein Synthesis – Suggested Activity: RNA & Protein Synthesis Gizmo
SC.912.L.16.6 Discus the mechanisms for regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and
eukaryotes at transcription and translation level.
 The student will explain what a gene is.
 The student will describe what gene expression represents.
 The student will identify the levels of gene expression and gene regulation.
 The student will summarize the transcriptional regulation of gene expression.
 The student will explain that transcriptional factors are a large category of DNAbinding proteins.
 The student will describe what operons are and how bacteria use them to regulate
gene expression.
 The student s will describe what microRNAs are and how they silence genes and
thus revealing the discovery of gene regulation.
SC.912.L.16.4 Explain how mutations in the DNA sequence may or may not result in
phenotypic change. Explain how mutations in gametes may result in phenotypic change in
offspring.
 The student will differentiate between genotype and phenotype.
 The student will define what a mutation is and list the various types.
 The student will explain how mutations can be inherited or acquired.
 The student will relate that mutations and variation go hand in hand and can be a
cause of human genetic diseases
How is genetic variation increased? (1 day)
SC.912.L.15.15 Describe how mutation and genetic recombination increase genetic
variation.
 The student will point out that mutation can lead to variation (not the same).
 The student will explain how sexual reproduction leads to variation.
 The student will describe what genetic recombination is and how it leads to
variation.

How do mutation, the cell cycle, and
uncontrolled cell growth result in cancer? (2
days)
What role does heredity and family history
have in personal health issues? (1.5 days)
SC.912.L.16.8 Explain the relationship between mutation, cell cycle, and uncontrolled cell
growth potentially result in cancer.
 The student should recall the cell cycle and describe how problems within it can
lead to abnormalities.
 The student will define what a tumor is and differentiate between benign and
malignant tumors.
The student should understand that cancer is a product of changes (or mutations) in genes,
changes in the cell cycle, and abnormal growth of cells that can overcome normal cells.
HE.912.C.1.4 Analyze how heredity and family history can impact personal health.
 The student will explain that genetic information is transferred from parent to
offspring from generation to generation.
 The student will identify that this information can lead to diseases that can impact
life or lead to death, depending on the genetic abnormality.
 The student will describe some of the genetic diseases found in humans, such as
Tay-Sachs, Phenylketonuria, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and Huntington’s
disease.