Directorate: Curriculum FET

SUBJECT and Life Sciences Grade 12

GRADE
TERM 1 Week 2
TOPIC DNA: the code of life
AIMS OF LESSON At the end of this lesson you should be able to know the following:
• Structure and role of DNA,
• Replication of DNA
• DNA profiling
RESOURCES Paper based resources Digital resources
Refer to: Refer to pages 1 to 8 of the Mind the Gap Study
• Your textbook section on DNA Guide:
https://wcedeportal.co.za/eresource/112781
INTRODUCTION • Revise the location and history of the discovery of DNA
• Revise nucleic acids that were covered in Grade 10
CONCEPTS AND Structure of DNA: Know the meaning of instructional verbs in test
SKILLS and examination questions e.g.
• DNA is a polymer and consists of two strands
that are twisted to form a double helix.
Instructional verb Meaning
• The monomers of DNA are known as
nucleotides.
Name Give the name of something
• Each nucleotide consists of a sugar
molecule (deoxyribose), a phosphate Differentiate Use differences to qualify
group and a nitrogenous base. between two or more
categories
Tabulate Draw a table and indicate
• the answers as direct pairs.
 Know the meaning of instructional verbs in test and
examination questions e.g.

Instructional verb Meaning

Describe State in sentences the main

points of a process
Explain Give your answer in a cause-
effect or statement and reason
sequence
Compare Give similarities and differences
between concepts

Question 1:
1. The diagram below represents a portion of a DNA
molecule. (June 2019 P2)
• Deoxyribose combines with the phosphate
group
• One nitrogenous base combines with
deoxyribose
• The sides of the DNA ladder consist of
alternating deoxyribose molecules and
phosphate groups
• There are four types of nitrogenous bases in
DNA i.e. Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine
(C) and Thymine (T)
• Adenine always combines to Thymine
• Guanine always combine to Cytosine
• There are equal numbers of adenine and
thymine bases as well as equal numbers of
guanine and cytosine bases in a DNA 1.1 Identify parts B, C and D.
molecule. (A = T and G = C) 1.2 Name:
• Nitrogenous bases are joined by weak (a) Monomer A
hydrogen bonds which are easily broken by
(b) ONE organelle in a cell where DNA is located
enzyme action.
 • One DNA strand is the complement of the other 1.3 How many nucleotides are shown in the diagram?
strand.

Question 2:
2. The diagram below shows a technique used in
paternity testing. (June 2017 P2)

2.1 Identify the technique shown above.

2.2 Which male is the biological father of the child?
2.3 Explain your answer to QUESTION 2.2.
2.4 State TWO other uses of this technique.

Functions of DNA:

• Sections of DNA-forming genes carry hereditary

information
Question 3:
• DNA contains coded information for protein
synthesis. 3. Detectives were investigating a crime scene and
found blood on a broken window. They suspected that
the blood was that of the criminal. To identify the
criminal, they analysed a DNA sample from the blood
DNA replication: and compared it to that of four suspects.
• DNA replication is the process during which a
DNA molecule makes an exact copy (replica)
of itself.
• DNA replication takes place during interphase
of the cell cycle.
1. The DNA double helix unwinds
2. Weak hydrogen bonds between nitrogenous
bases break and the two DNA strands unzip
3. Both DNA strands serves as templates
4. Free nucleotides in the nucleoplasm are used
to build a complementary DNA strand onto
each of the original DNA strands (A to T and G
to C)
5. This results in two identical DNA molecules.
Each molecule consists of one original and
one new strand.
The diagram below was produced:
3.1 Name the technique that was used to identify the
criminal.
3.2 Who is the possible criminal?
3.3 Explain your answer to QUESTION 3.2.
3.4 State ONE other use of the technique identified in
QUESTION 3.1.
Question 4:
4. Answer the following questions based on DNA
replication:
4.1 Describe the process of DNA replication.
4.2 Describe the significance of DNA replication for
mitosis.
 Significance of DNA replication:

• Doubles the genetic material so that each cell receives the same amount of DNA during cell division
• Results in the formation of identical daughter cells during mitosis

DNA profiling:

• Every person except identical twins has her/his own unique DNA profile.
• It can be described as an arrangement of black bars representing DNA fragments of the person.

DNA profiling can be used for the following:

• As proof of paternity
• To trace missing persons
• To identify genetic disorders
• To establish family relations
• To match tissues for organ transplants
• To identify dead persons/animals
• To identify crime suspects in forensic investigations.

Common errors made by learners in examinations:

• Unable to answer and interpret questions based on the structure of DNA, DNA replication and DNA
profiling
• Unable to make appropriate drawings and label diagrams
ACTIVITIES/ • Complete the questions in this lesson
ASSESSMENT
CONSOLIDATION • Work through the questions on the structure of DNA, DNA replication and DNA profiling in past
examination papers
• Reflect on your learning and understanding of this topic and assess your progress
VALUES By studying this section, you will develop an ability to critically evaluate and debate scientific issues,
concepts and processes.