Heredity: Inheritance and Variation

DNA and the LANGUAGE OF LIFE

for Science Grade 10
Quarter 3 / Week 4

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 FOREWORD
This Self Learning Kit is essential for the learners to help them
understand about the double helix of life’s “instruction molecule” –
DNA. It is important to know how DNA is often referred to as the
code of life for it contains information needed to form and control
the physical makeup and chemical processes of an organism.
It is prepared for the learners to assess their understanding of
the structure of the DNA, explain how DNA replication occurs, how
RNA is made using the information from DNA and how it is
transposed into proteins, and explain how mutations may cause
changes in the structure and function of a protein. Mastery of the
content is of utmost importance. Enjoy reading and answer the
activities with fun and excitement.

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 LESSON
FROM GENES TO PROTEINS
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OBJECTIVES:
K: Compare the structures of DNA and RNA molecule.

S: Identify the role of DNA and RNA in protein synthesis

A: Explain the process of replication, transcription, and

translation

LEARNING COMPETENCY:

Explain how protein is made using information from DNA. (SIOLT-IIId-37)

I. WHAT HAPPENED
PRE-TEST
DIRECTIONS: Choose from the word or words inside the box that
best describes the statements given. Write your answers in the
notebook.
Protein synthesis Replication Deoxyribose
DNA Translation Ribose
RNA Nucleotide Uracil
Transcription Adenine Cytosine
Thymine Guanine mRNA

1. The process which involves the transfer of information from the

DNA to the messenger RNA (mRNA).
2. The process by which proteins are made from amino acids.
3. It is the basic building block of DNA.
4. The sugar in RNA.
5. The base found in RNA but not in DNA.

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 6. The process by which the mRNA message is translated into a
chain of amino acids called polypeptide that makes up
protein.
7. It is composed of three types of component molecules:
phosphate group, deoxyribose sugar, and bases.
8. The process by which DNA is copied.
9. Guanine pairs with _________.
10.Thymine pairs with _________.

II. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

DNA
Every gene is a piece of DNA molecule. The genes contain messages
which are expressed through certain complex processes. The shape of one’s
face, skin color, and the size of one’s feet are some of the characteristics that
result from the expression of these numerous genes found within the
chromosome of every cell.
If you unwind a chromosome, you will discover a long molecule of DNA
with about 100,000 genes.

Figure 1. A DNA molecule can be

observed if you unwind a
chromosome.

Just like building a house,

a plan of the structure of the
house and to determine how it
will look like after construction
requires a blueprint. All
organisms have blueprints that
contain information that will
determine their physical and
chemical characteristics. This
blueprint is Deoxyribonucleic
acid (DNA). Each DNA molecule
is packed in a separate
chromosome. The total genetic
information stored in the
chromosomes is called the
genome.
DNA is mainly found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and the nucleoid
region of prokaryotic cells. It is made up of two strands that are coiled that
from a double helix (see Figure 2). If a DNA molecule is uncoiled, a ladder-like

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structure will result. The sides of the DNA ladder are composed of the sugar
deoxyribose and phosphate molecules with two nitrogen bases in each step
of the ladder held together
by hydrogen bonds. A base,
a sugar molecule, and a
phosphate group form a
nucleotide. A chain of
nucleotides from a
DNAmolecule.

Figure 2. DNA is made up of two

strands that form a double helix
(left). It is composed of
nitrogenous bases, sugar
and phosphate molecules (right).

DNA has nitrogen

bases classified into two groups: purines and pyrimidines. The pyrimidines are
thymine (T) and cytosine (C), and the purines are adenine (A) and guanine
(G). Because of their chemical structure adenine can only bond with thymine
and cytosine can only bond with guanine. Adenine and thymine, cytosine,
and guanine are said to be complementary bases.

RNA

Another type of nucleic acid is ribonucleic acid or RNA where it plays an

important role in protein synthesis. The structure of RNA is similar to that of DNA.
However, RNA differs from DNA in three ways.
• RNA is single-stranded.
• The base thymine is not found in RNA. Another nitrogen base called
URACIL is found in its place. Uracil is a pyrimidine and is complementary
to adenine.
• The sugar molecules in RNA are ribose sugars. Ribose sugars have one
more oxygen atom than deoxyribose sugars.
(Source: National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education
Development: Treyes, Carale, et. al. 2006, 2009. BIOLOGY, Science &
Technology Textbook for Second Year. Department of Education. Book Media
Press, Inc.)

REPLICATION (DNA makes DNA)

DNA replicates to produce a copy of the genetic material that will be

transferred to new cells during mitosis or to new gametes during meiosis.

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When a DNA molecule unzips to form two strands, the base pairs separate.
Each single strand of DNA then picks up bases present in the cell’s cytoplasm.
In this way, two complete molecules of DNA are created. Notice that each
new DNA molecule has the same order of
base pairs as the original. The copying process
is called replication. (See Figure 3)

Figure 3. Unzipping of DNA Molecule 1

Source: Grade 10 Learner’s Manual

The following are the events while

DNA copies itself:

Figure 4. DNA Replication

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PROTEIN SYNTHESIS
Scientists discovered that DNA controls protein synthesis, the process by
which proteins are made from amino acids. Some proteins are part of the
structure of each organism, and other proteins are enzymes that control most
chemical reactions. The characteristics of an organism are determined by its
protein and ultimately, by its DNA.
What do you think is the role of RNA in making proteins in the cell? RNA
molecules or the workers for protein synthesis get the instructions from the DNA
on how the protein should be assembled.
Moreover, do you know that there are three types of RNA that help build
proteins? You can consider these RNA molecules to be the workers in the
production of proteins.
• Messenger RNA (mRNA) brings information from the DNA in the nucleus
to the protein manufacturing area, the cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, the
mRNA becomes the template of information to make proteins.
• Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) a component of ribosomes and ribosomal
proteins hold tightly into the mRNA using its information to assemble the
amino acids in the correct order. rRNA serves as the site for attachment
of mRNA and tRNA and for protein synthesis.
• Transfer RNA (tRNA) supplies amino acids to the ribosome to be
assembled as protein. It translates the protein message carried by the
mRNA through protein synthesis.

TRANSCRIPTION
The process of transcription involves the transfer of information from the
DNA to the messenger RNA (mRNA). Transcription produces mRNA’s that carry
information copied from the DNA. The “transcribed” message leaves the
nucleus and directs the making of proteins in the cytoplasm, while the DNA
remains in the nucleus.

The following events can help you understand the process of transcription:

TRANSLATION

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 The process by which a sequence of nucleic acids in RNA is used to
direct the production of a chain of specific amino acids is called translation. In
translation, each set of three nucleotides in an mRNA molecule codes for one
amino acid in a protein. The flow of information from gene to protein is based
on codons. A codon is a three-base “word” that codes for one amino acid.
The main players in the mRNA translation process are ribosomes and another
kind of RNA called transfer RNA (tRNA). Transfer RNA (tRNA) translates the
three-letter codons of mRNA to the amino acids that make up proteins.
The following events in translation can help you understand the process:

Source: Science 10 Learner,s Manual

Figure 5. Translation

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III. WHAT I HAVE LEARNED
POST-TEST
DIRECTIONS: A. Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers in
the notebook.
1. It directs the sequence of nucleotides in DNA to the order of nucleotides in
messenger RNA.
A. Replication B. Transcription C. Translation D. Mutation
2. What is a codon?
A. Three-base “word” that codes for one nucleotide
B. Three-base “word” that codes for two nucleotides
C. Three-base “word” that codes for one amino acid
D. Three-base “word” that codes for two amino acids
3. The process by which a sequence of nucleic acids in RNA is used to direct
the production of a chain of amino acids.
A. Replication B. Transcription C. Translation D. Mutation
4. A kind of RNA that translates the three-letter codons of mRNA to the amino
acids that make up proteins.
A. rRNA B. mRNA C. DNA D. tRNA
5. A kind of RNA that copies the message from the DNA and brings it to the
ribosomes located in the cytoplasm and becomes the template of
information to make proteins.
A. DNA B. mRNA C. rRNA D. tRNA
6. What forms a nucleotide?
A. A base, a sugar molecule, and a phosphate group
B. A base, an amino acid, and a phosphate group
C. A base, an enzyme, and a hydrogen bond
D. A base, a protein and hydrogen bond
* For number 7, 8, and 9. The following is the base sequence on one strand of
a DNA molecule:
AGCTCGGGCAAT
7. If this strand is replicated, what is the sequence of the resulting strand?
A. ACG UCG GGC AAU C. UGC AGC CCG UUA
B. TCG AGC CCG TTA D. AGC TCG GGC AAT
8. If this strand is transcribed into an mRNA, what would be the resulting
strand?
A. UCG AGC CCG UUA C. GAT CAA CCG TTA
B. TCG AGC CCG TTA D. UGC UGC GGC AAU

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9. During translation, the tRNA sequence of nucleotides arranged linearly is
____.
A. AGC TCG GGC AAT C. AGC UCG GGC AAU
B. TCG AGC CCG TTA D. UCG AGC CCG UUA
10. The process in which DNA is copied.
A. Replication C. Mutation
B. Transcription D. Translation

B. Do the activity entitled “Trace the Code”.

Objective: To identify the amino acids coded for by the mRNA codon using
the Genetic Code Table.
Procedure:
1. Copy and fill in the table.

2. Refer to the Genetic Code Table to identify the amino acid.

3. To determine the order of bases in the first column (DNA), the second
column (codon), and the third column (anticodon), consider the
complementary base pairs in DNA: adenine pairs with thymine and guanine
pairs with cytosine. While in RNA, adenine pairs with cytosine.
4. To identify the amino acid, look at the bases in the mRNA codon, e.g., AUG
using the Genetic Code Table. Look for the first letter of the mRNA codon on
the left side of the Genetic Code Table (A), the second letter of the mRNA on
the second letter column (U), and the third letter on the right side column
(G). AUG codes for the amino acid – methionine.
5. Do the same with the other codons in the chart.

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SYNOPSIS ANSWER KEY

This Self Learning Kit is made

for Grade 10 students in the
Science 10 topic on DNA
Structure and how protein is
made using information from
DNA with the understanding of
the different processes involve in
the making of proteins.
Hope you enjoy the use of
this SLK as you decipher the code
of life and its underlying beauty.

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 LESSON
Mutation:Changes in the GeneticCode
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OBJECTIVES:
K: Describe the types of mutations that can affect genes

S: Differentiate the different kinds of chromosomal mutation

A: Explore the causes and effects of mutation.

LEARNING COMPETENCY:

Explain how mutations may cause changes in the structure

and functions of a protein. (SIOLT-IIIe-38)

I. WHAT HAPPENED
PRE-TEST
A. DIRECTIONS: Match Colum A with Column B. Write the letter of the correct
answer in your notebook.
COLUMN A COLUMN B

______1. It is the product of recombinant A. Sex cells

DNA technology. B. Mutagens
______2. It refers to the factors like radiation, C. 46 chromosomes
chemicals, extremes of temperatures, and D. Karyotype
viral infection that causes mutation. E. (GMO) Genetically
______3. A type of cell where mutation occurs modified organism
and are said to be heritable.
______4. The number of chromosomes in the human body.
______5. It is a test where abnormalities in the chromosome
structure and number can be detected.

B. DIRECTIONS: Tell whether the following mutation is HARMFUL or BENEFICIAL.

_____________1. Plants inability to make chlorophyll.
_____________2. Albinism in humans where an albino cannot tolerate exposure

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under the sun.
_____________3. Mutation in blood proteins prevents viruses or parasites to
thrive in host organisms.
_____________4. Mutation in color of a butterfly species protects itself from
predators.
_____________5. Mutation in body cells can cause cancer.

II.WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

DISCUSSION

A change in the genetic code results in the change in protein structure

or level of expression that may lead to changes in cellular properties and
behavior thus, the organism is affected. The change in the genetic material of
an organism is called mutation and can be induced by factors called
mutagens. Mutagens can be in the form of radiation, chemicals, extremes of
temperature, and even viral infection.
Mutations may be harmful. In body cells, mutations can cause cancer,
while in sex cells it can cause birth defects. In plants, mutations may result in
their inability to make chlorophyll that eventually led to plant death. Another
harmful mutation is albinism in humans. Unlike normal persons, an albino
cannot tolerate exposure under the sun.
Mutations can be sometimes beneficial. Example in blood proteins
prevents viruses or parasites to thrive in host organisms. In agriculture, traits of
plants and animals could be modified by targeted or random mutations.
Mutations are said to be heritable if it occurs in somatic or sex cells. If the
eggs or sperms are affected it can produce offspring with new characteristics.
If mutations occur in body cells, it is not hereditary. The defects cannot be
passed on to the offspring but it only affects the individual.
Mutations may involve a change in the genes or in the chromosomes. It
can be of two types, namely:
1) Gene mutation
There is a permanent change in the DNA sequence that makes up a
gene. It may be caused by high energy radiation (e.g. X-rays and UV
light), chemicals reacting with DNA, and high temperature.

2) Chromosomal mutation
It occurs at the chromosome level resulting in gene deletion,
duplication, or a change in chromosome structure. It may be caused
by parts of chromosomes breaking off or rejoining in correctly.
The normal genetic content of the chromosome may be affected. Many
diseases are caused by the effects of inherited genes. In most cases, there is

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only a small difference between the DNA sequence in the defective gene and
a normal one. This difference is enough to cause serious and often fatal
diseases.

Consider what might happen if an incorrect amino acid was inserted in

a growing protein chain during the process of translation. Do you think this will
affect the structure of the entire molecule? Read the two sentences below.
What happens when a single letter in the first sentence is changed?
THE DOG BIT THE CAT.
THE DOG BIT THE CAR.
Did you see that changing a single letter also changes the meaning of
the sentence? A change in nitrogenous base in a protein may yield a different
amino acid and a corresponding change in the protein structure and function.
What will happen if a single base is deleted from a DNA strand? Deletion
or insertion of a base may change the reading frame of the codon leading to
a frameshift mutation. Read again the two sentences below.
THE DOG BIT THE CAT.
THE DOG ITT HEC AT.
What was deleted? Would the result be the same if these would be an
addition of a single base? You learned that an mRNA corresponds to a DNA
sequence translated by ribosomes into proteins. If the new sequence with a
deleted base was transcribed, then every codon after the deleted base would
be different.
Mutations in chromosomes may occur in a variety of ways. Sometimes

parts of chromosomes are broken off and last during mitosis or meiosis.

Here are the kinds of chromosomal mutations.

1) Translocation occurs when a piece of chromosome breaks off and
attaches to another chromosome.

2) Deletion refers to the loss of a segment of DNA or chromosome.

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 3) Inversion involves the breakage of a chromosome in two places in which
the resulting piece of DNA is reversed and re-inserted into the
chromosome.

LET’S APPLY!
Now that you learned the kinds of chromosomal mutations, copy and fill
in the table and do what is asked for. Write your answers in your notebook.

Changes that affect the structure of chromosomes can cause problems with
growth, development, and function of the body’s systems. These changes can
affect many genes along the chromosome and disrupt the proteins made from
those genes.

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 Gain or loss of chromosome material results in chromosomal mutations
or aberrations. Human examples of genetic disorders are the following:
• Down’s syndrome is usually caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21
(trisomy 21)
• Edward’s syndrome in trisomy of chromosome 18. The second most
common trisomy after Down’s syndrome.

• Klinefelter’s syndrome (XXY). Men with this

condition are usually sterile and tend to have longer arms and legs and
to be taller than their peers. They are often shy and quiet and have a
higher incidence of speech delay.
• Turner’s syndrome. Female sexual characteristics are present but
underdeveloped. They often have a short stature, low hairline, abnormal
eye features, and bone development, and a “caved-in” appearance
to the chest.
• “Cri du chat” is caused by the deletion of
part of the short arm of chromosome 5. The
condition is so named because affected
babies make high-pitched cries that sound
like a cat. Affected individuals haul wide-set
eyes, a small head and jaw, are moderately
to severely mentally retarded, and very short.

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Human Karyotyping
It is estimated that one in 156 live births has some kind of chromosomal
abnormality. Some of the abnormalities associated with chromosome structure
and number can be detected by a test called karyotype. A karyotype is an
image of the full set of
chromosomes of an
individual that displays
the normal number, size,
and shape.
To produce a
karyotype, chromosomes
commonly derived from
actively dividing white
blood cells are stained
and photographed.
You inherit one
Figure 1. Karyotype of Human Male and Female
chromosome of each
pair from your mother and the
other from your father. Altogether humans have 23 homologous pairs of
chromosomes or a total of 46 chromosomes. The 23 rd pair of chromosomes is
called the sex chromosomes while the first 23 pairs are the body chromosomes.

Genetic Engineering

Figure 2. Diagrammatic Illustration of the Steps in Genetic Engineering

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III. WHAT I HAVE LEARNED
POST-TEST
DIRECTIONS: Read the following questions and choose the letter of the correct
answer. Write the letter of your choice in your notebook.
1. Genetic engineering includes techniques that transfer a specific genetic
information from one organism to another. This is referred to as
_________________________.
a. recombinant DNA technology
b. recombinant DNA process
c. genetically engineered DNA
d. genetically engineered organism
2. What do you call the organism whose genetic information has been
altered using recombinant DNA technology?
a. Genetically engineered organism
b. Genetically classified organism
c. Genetically modified organism
d. Genetically produced organism
3. In humans, what is the total number of chromosomes?
a. 23 b. 46 c. 47 d. 24
4. It is the change in the genetic material of an organism.
a. Mutation b. Mutagens c. Mutant d. Mutate
5. How many chromosomes are involved in translocation?
a. 4 b. 3 c. 2 d.1
6. What type of cell where mutation is not hereditary? It affects the
individual but the defects cannot be passed on to the offsprings.
a. sex cells b. body cells c. sex organs d. reproductive
organs
7. It is a trisomy of chromosome 18 which is the second common trisomy
after Down’s syndrome.
a. Klinefelter’s syndrome c. Cri du chat
b. Turner’s syndrome d. Edward’s syndrome
8. A kind of chromosomal mutation where there is a loss of a segment of
DNA or chromosome.
a. Deletion b. Inversion c. Translocation d. Duplication
9. A type of mutation where there is a permanent change in the DNA
sequence that makes up a gene caused by high energy
radiation, the reaction of chemicals, and high temperature.
a. chromosomal mutation c. gene mutation
b. deletion d. inversion
10. Explain what happens if a mutation is present in an organism’s
gametes or sex cells?

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REFERENCES:

National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education and

Development: Treyes, Rodolfo S., et. al (2006, 2009). BIOLOGY textbook,
Science & Tech. II, DepEd
Acosta, Herma D., et. al (2015). Science 10 Learner’s Material, Unit 3,
Module 2. DepEd
Campbell, N.A., Williamson, B., Heyden, R.J. (2004). BIOLOGY Exploring Life.
Pearson Education Incorporated.

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 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF NEGROS ORIENTAL

SENEN PRISCILLO P. PAULIN, CESO V

Schools Division Superintendent

FAY C. LUAREZ, TM, Ed.D., Ph.D.

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Acting CID Chief

NILITA L. RAGAY, Ed.D.

OIC - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

ROSELA R. ABIERA
Education Program Supervisor – (LRMS)

ARNOLD R. JUNGCO
PSDS / Division Science Coordinator

MARICEL S. RASID
Librarian II (LRMDS)

ELMAR L. CABRERA
PDO II (LRMDS)

MA. ALETTA R. GAJELOMO

Writer

KEENJI L. ARMENTANO
Lay-out Artist
_________________________________
ALPHA QA TEAM
JUSTIN PAUL KINAMOT
PETER PAUL A. PATRON
MA. ALETTA AARONA R. GAJELOMO
MIEL C. PACULANANG
LYN-NO A. REGALADO
BETA QA TEAM
LIEZEL A. AGOR
JOAN Y. BUBULI
LIELIN A. DELA CERNA
PETERPAUL A. PATRON
THOMAS JOGIE U. TOLEDO

DISCLAIMER

The information, activities and assessments used in this material are designed to provide accessible
learning modality to the teachers and learners of the Division of Negros Oriental. The contents of this module
are carefully researched, chosen, and evaluated to comply with the set learning competencies. The writers and
evaluator were clearly instructed to give credits to information and illustrations used to substantiate this material.
All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without expressed written consent
from the division.

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SYNOPSIS ANSWER KEY
This Self Learning Kit is made for
Grade 10 students in the Science 10 topic
on how mutations may cause changes in
the structure and function of a protein.
Hope that as you read and learn the
content of this SLK, you will realize that only
by understanding and evaluating accurate
information can we then make informed
decisions concerning its uses of genetic
engineering. It might be able to solve some
of our problems confronting mankind but
we have a powerful tool in our hands and
with this power comes the responsibility of
deciding wisely.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ma. Aletta Aarona Repollo Gajelomo is a Science
teacher of Siaton National High School, Siaton, Negros
Oriental. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in
General Science from St. Paul College of Dumaguete
(now St. Paul University of Dumaguete). She earned 36
masteral units (Complete Academic Requirements)
from the University of Southern Philippines in Lahug,
Cebu City. She is currently a Secondary School Teacher
III of Siaton National High School and the District
Science Coordinator (Secondary) of Siaton District.

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