Topic Five (1.5): DNA

Topics Icon.png Objectives

By the end of this topic you should be able to:

  • describe the structure of DNA;
  • describe how scientists worked together to discover the structure of DNA.

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

The structure of DNA is not just beautiful beautiful it can hold the code for all the characteristics that make you, me and all the organisms in the world! As well as learning about the structure in this topic you will learn how scientists first worked out the structure.


Interact Icon.png Working through your course book

  • How are genetic characteristics inherited? Read pages 30–31 of Activate 3.

VIEW - Variation and Inheritance PowerPoint (slides 13-16) Download VIEW - Variation and Inheritance PowerPoint (slides 13-16)

  • Copy the diagram and information from slide 14 into your exercise books or folder. 

WATCH - Discovery of DNA (Twig) [Not available on Sample Course]


Review Icon.png Review

COMPLETE - B3 2.5 Interactive screen: DNA timeline (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.

Answer summary questions 1, 2 and 3 on page 31.


Bridge Icon.png Support activities for this topic

Remind yourself about how DNA is involved in inheritance and where it is stored in the cell:

WATCH - Inheritance (Revision Monkey - YouTube)


Stretch Icon.png Extension activities for this topic

If you would like an extra challenge, make a DNA model out of sweets using the information on page 30 and:

COMPLETE - Make a Candy DNA Molecule! (ScienceBuddies - YouTube)


 Download Icon-1.png Check your answers

CHECK - Student Book Answers - Biology 3 Chapter 2 Download CHECK - Student Book Answers - Biology 3 Chapter 2