English National Curriculum - Science

DNA structure & protein synthesis

Mission Objectives

Describe the structure of DNA, including nucleotides, and explain how the two strands are held together

Explain how DNA is used to make proteins and why protein shape is important for its function

Describe what mutations are and explain how they can affect proteins and organisms in different ways

Sign up to access this content
Rocket Words Quiz

Rocket Words Quiz

See if you know all the meanings of the rocket words

Assessment Quiz

Assessment Quiz

Test your knowledge of this lesson

Word Search Game

Word Search Game

Find all the rocket words in the grid

Lesson Resources

Lesson Plan

View and print the lesson plan

View

Downloads

Save files related to this lesson

Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

complementary base pairing

the specific pairing of bases in DNA where adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine

protein synthesis

the process by which the information in a gene is used to build a protein from amino acids at a ribosome

DNA

the chemical that carries genetic information in the nucleus of a cell

mutation

a change in the base sequence of DNA that may affect the structure and function of a protein

nucleotide

the basic building block of DNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a base

This lesson has been written by

Samantha Batch

Samantha is an accomplished science educator whose current work centres on curriculum design and professional development, supporting teachers to deliver high-quality science education through evidence-informed approaches. She is a former Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 experience, and has worked as an AQA examiner, giving her valuable insight into assessment standards and what students need to succeed.

Underpinning this is a strong foundation in applied science built across a range of industry roles. Samantha has held scientific roles at John Smith's Brewery, Yorkshire Water and WasteCare, where she led technical projects, drove operational efficiencies and ensured compliance with industry standards. Across these roles she has first-hand experience of how scientific knowledge translates into measurable outcomes in professional and commercial environments.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket. 

Required Resources

  • Handouts
  • Selection of sweets to build a model of DNA (strawberry laces. pencil sweets, dolly mixture, midget gems)

These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval from Developing Experts of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organisation or individual.

Developing Experts bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

You will be redirected to:

Expert film

Sign up to access this content

This lesson is only available to users with an active subscription.

Mission assignment film

Sign up to access this content

This lesson is only available to users with an active subscription.

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Copyright 2026 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.