Science 10
The DNA Science 10
Introduction
Molecular genetics has dramatically changed our
understanding of life. At the heart of molecular genetics is the
appreciation of the importance of the DNA, the genetic material
that stores hereditary information. The DNA contains the
blueprint for the synthesis of all proteins needed as building
blocks and for proper functioning of all cells.
Exactly how is this information from the DNA translated
into proteins? You will know by the end of this module.
The DNA Science 10
Lesson 1 – The DNA
When the first known case of severe acute respiratory
syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) was identified in Wuhan,
China in December 2019, authorities were not sure how to deal
with the virus. Seven months later and after 4 million deaths
worldwide, 24.9% of the world’s adult population (8.7% in the
Philippines)* has received at least one dose of a COVID-19
vaccine. How exactly do we study viruses and create vaccines
that will fight against them?
Simple – study the virus’ DNA.
The DNA Science 10
Objectives
• define DNA and RNA and compare them; and
• explain the importance of studying the DNA in
advancing medical technology.
The DNA Science 10
Essential Question
Why is the DNA
considered the blueprint
of life?
The DNA Science 10
Think Like a Pro!
Open your iScience 10 textbook on page 236
and read the Launch Lab part. Analyze the
pattern of the codes to determine the genetic
traits. On a piece of paper, write down the
“message” after deciphering the symbols
indicated in the textbook.
The DNA Science 10
Think Like a Pro!
What is the deciphered message?
“DNA provides the chemical code for an
organisms’ genetic material.”
The DNA Science 10
Review
What determines our traits?
“Genes determine traits.”
Where can we find these genes?
“A gene is a section of a chromosome.”
The DNA Science 10
Review
The DNA Science 10
Explore!
DNA: The Double Helix Structure Simulation
by LabXChange
https://www.labxchange.org/library/items/lb:Lab
Xchange:5c1562b9:lx_simulation:1
The DNA Science 10
Explore! DNA: The Double Helix Structure Simulation
by LabXChange
Explore the simulation provided in the link
above. Tick the options as shown below.
The DNA Science 10
Explore! DNA: The Double Helix Structure Simulation
by LabXChange
• What is the shape of the
DNA molecule?
• How many different types
of bases (color key) are
there in a molecule of
DNA?
• How are these bases
connected to each other?
The DNA Science 10
The DNA
• deoxyribonucleic acid
• the hereditary material in humans and almost all
other organisms
• carries genetic instructions for the development,
functioning, growth and reproduction of all
known organisms
• its mostly found in the nucleus
The DNA Science 10
The DNA
The DNA Science 10
The RNA
• ribonucleic acid
• single-stranded
• essential in various biological roles in coding,
decoding, regulation and expression of genes
• its mostly found in the cytoplasm
The DNA Science 10
The DNA Science 10
Table 1 Differences Between DNA and RNA
DNA RNA
Sugar
Strand
Nitrogenous
bases
Location
Function
The DNA Science 10
Table 1 Differences Between DNA and RNA
DNA RNA
Deoxyribose (C5H10O4) Ribose
Sugar *deoxy means the removal of an oxygen ion, hence it has one less
oxygen than RNA (C5H10O5)
Strand Double-stranded Single-stranded
Adenine Adenine
Nitrogenous Thymine Uracil
Cytosine Cytosine
bases Guanine Guanine
Mostly in the nucleus, but may also be
Mostly in the cytoplasm, but may
Location found in the cytoplasm and
also be found in the nucleus
mitochondria
Blueprint of biological guidelines that
Assists in carrying out DNA’s
Function living organisms must follow to exist
blueprint guidelines
and function properly
The DNA Science 10
Quick Question
Why is there a need to
“convert” DNA into RNA?
The DNA Science 10
The RNA
https://slideplayer.com/slide/2490899/9/images/5/Three+types+of+RNA+mRNA%2C+rRNA%2C+tRNA.jpg
The DNA Science 10
The RNA
• messenger RNA (mRNA) – copies the DNA code and
carry it to the ribosomes
• transfer RNA (tRNA)– carries the amino acid to the
ribosomes where proteins are made
• ribosomal RNA (rRNA)– holds tightly to the mRNA
and uses the code to assemble the amino acids
The DNA Science 10
DNA and The Science of Vaccines
How do vaccines work? - Kelwalin
Dhanasarnsombut
Youtube Video by TED-Ed (2015)
https://youtu.be/rb7TVW77ZCs
The DNA Science 10
The COVID Vaccines
How the COVID-19 vaccines were
created so quickly - Kaitlyn
Sadtler and Elizabeth Wayne
Youtube Video by TED-Ed (2021)
https://youtu.be/v-NEr3KCug8
The DNA Science 10
Key Concept Check
https://padlet.com/snavarro39/5ln2i522tysbv7xd
When learners publish a new note, the text that
appears in bold below shall be used as the SUBJECT.
• What is DNA?
• What is a nucleotide?
• What is the role of RNA in protein production?
• Why is the DNA considered the blueprint of life?
The DNA Science 10
Assignment
Decrypt the following messages in Baybayin into
Filipino and then translate it into English.
