Lesson 2: Genes and the Genetic code

Remote learning instructions

1. Watch Miss Estruch video and make notes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9cW2btsaeU&list=PLOfYYgIrtVMhrh_A4dK4_uTiF7_rmEJ8P&index=3
2. make notes over the following topics:

3. make notes using your textbook pgs 62-63 and pg 70-71

3.4.1 DNA , genes
Monday, January 2
and chromosomes 4, 2022
Genes and the Genetic Code
Explain how the DNA base sequence is able to code C
for the primary structure of a polypeptide and
explain what is meant by an intron and an exon.

Explain why much of eukaryotic DNA can be B

considered as non-coding

Calculate the possible number of combinations that a A

triplet code can have Distinguish between the terms
the terms degenerate, universal and non-overlapping
Starter: There are 20 amino acids and only 4 bases. How
many bases would have to code for an amino acid to give
sufficient combinations.
Homework
https://snaprevise.co.uk/courses/33/concept/5681/contents/video/41186

Watch:
1. An introducing the Genetic Code
2. Features of the Genetic Code
3. Genetic Code Exam Question

Write out a definition and draw an accompanying explanatory diagrams for:

Non-overlapping
Degenerative
Universal
Stop codon
Start codon

Print (but do not complete) the genetic code booklet

 The triplet code
There are a total of 20 amino acids so how can 4
bases code for 20 amino acids?
 If one base = one amino acid,
possible amino acids = 4
 If two bases = one amino acid,
possible amino acids = 16 (4×4)
 If three bases = one amino acid,
possible amino acids = 64 (4×4×4)

The triplet code is degenerate, which means that

each amino acid is coded for by more than one
triplet.
 Degenerate
1st position 2nd position 3rd position
U C A G U
Phe Ser Tyr Cys
U Phe Ser Tyr Cys C
Leu Ser STOP STOP A
Leu Ser STOP Trp G
Leu Pro His Arg U
C Leu Pro His Arg C
Leu Pro Gln Arg A
Leu Pro Gln Arg G
Ile Thr Asn Ser U
A Ile Thr Asn Ser C
Ile Thr Lys Arg A
Met Thr Lys Arg G
Val Ala Asp Gly U
G Val Ala Asp Gly C
Val Ala Glu Gly A
Val Ala Glu Gly G
 HOMEWORK FOR NEXT LESSON

1. Draw the structure of mRNA and tRNA and

describe their role and complete genetic
code booklet

2. https://snaprevise.co.uk/courses/33/conce
pt/5681/contents/video/41185

Watch Genome and Protein Synthesis video

 What is the genetic code?

The genetic code is the sequence of bases along its DNA.

one gene

thousands more bases in

gene (not shown)
Each gene codes for a specific polypeptide.
All polypeptides are made from amino acids, so the
sequence of bases in a gene must code for amino acids.
 Summary of the genetic code
The genetic code is:
Degenerate
Universal
Non-overlapping

On your white boards explain what these three terms mean and
What is a start and stop codon

A*- suggest why it is an advantage that the genetic code is

degenerate and non-overlapping (Hint – look up point mutations)
 Start and Stop Codons
1st position 2nd position 3rd position
U C A G U
Phe Ser Tyr Cys
U Phe Ser Tyr Cys C
Leu Ser STOP STOP A
Leu Ser STOP Trp G
Leu Pro His Arg U
C Leu Pro His Arg C
Leu Pro Gln Arg A
Leu Pro Gln Arg G
Ile Thr Asn Ser U
A Ile Thr Asn Ser C
Ile Thr Lys Arg A
Met Thr Lys Arg G
Val Ala Asp Gly U
G Val Ala Asp Gly C
Val Ala Glu Gly A
Val Ala Glu Gly G

Start Codon The start of a RNA sequence is always the same codon, AUG. This codes for the
amino acid methionine. Signals ribosome to start translation. This methionine is later
removed from the protein if it is not actually needed for the structure.
Stop Codon Three codons do not code for any amino acids, UAA, UAG, UGA. These are the
stop codons and will mark the end of a polypeptide chain, as no more amino acids will be
added after this so ribosome detaches and stops translation.
DNA consists of introns and exons.
Using the diagram below can you work out what the term introns and exons mean?

Introns or ‘junk’ DNA are sequences of DNA that do not code for polypeptides
Exons are the coding sections of DNA
 Maths Skills

Q1. How many bases code for a polypeptide of

24 amino acids.

Q2. Why might the answer in fact be more than

72?
There may be introns in the DNA sequence that
are spliced (cut) out
There are start and stop codons
 Math skills questions

Calculate the percentage of human DNA which

make up codons.
There are 3 billion bases in human DNA.
60 million bases make up the exons.
Grade C- how many bases are there that make
up the junk DNA?
Grade B – put this number into standard form
Grade A- what percentage of human DNA is
introns?
Genetic Code booklet questions
3.4.1 DNA , genes
Monday, January 2
and chromosomes 4, 2022
Genes and the Genetic Code
Explain how the DNA base sequence is able to code C
for the primary structure of a polypeptide and
explain what is meant by an intron and an exon.

Explain why much of eukaryotic DNA can be B

considered as non-coding

Calculate the possible number of combinations that a A

triplet code can have Distinguish between the terms
the terms degenerate, universal and non-overlapping
Starter: Exam question
From the results
state which drug
affects mRNA
production and
which drug
affects protein
synthesis (C/B)

Use information
in the graph to
explain your
answer (A)