Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: explain why a promoter may have to be transferred into an organism as well as the desired gene
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the role of promoters in gene expression.
  • Explain why native promoters may fail in a new host organism.
  • Compare constitutive, inducible, and tissue‑specific promoter strategies for recombinant expression.
  • Evaluate how promoter choice influences expression level and product yield.
  • Design a simple recombinant construct that includes an appropriate promoter for a given host.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout summarising promoter types and examples
  • Printed plasmid map diagrams
  • Computer with internet access for an interactive simulation
  • Worksheet with the insulin production case study
  • Molecular‑biology kit (optional demonstration)
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick think‑pair‑share: why might a gene inserted into a bacterium remain silent? Students recall prior knowledge of transcription and promoter function. Explain that today they will explore how transferring a compatible promoter alongside the gene ensures expression in the new host. Success will be measured by their ability to match promoter types to specific hosts and design a basic construct.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5') – Students list possible reasons a transferred gene might not be expressed and share their ideas.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Review gene expression, promoter function, and host‑specific transcription factors using slides.
  3. Interactive case analysis (15') – In groups, examine the human insulin‑in‑E.coli example, identify why the human promoter fails, and propose a suitable bacterial promoter.
  4. Strategy comparison (10') – Present a table of constitutive, inducible, and tissue‑specific promoters; discuss advantages and limitations.
  5. Construct design task (15') – Using printed plasmid maps, students insert a chosen promoter upstream of a target gene for a specified host; teacher circulates for feedback.
  6. Formative check (5') – Quick quiz (Kahoot or handout) on key concepts.
  7. Recap & exit ticket (5') – Students write one takeaway and one lingering question on a sticky note.
Conclusion:
Summarise that a functional promoter is essential for transcription of transferred genes and that its selection depends on host biology and experimental goals. Students submit an exit ticket stating the promoter they would choose for a new recombinant project. For homework, they research a real‑world example of promoter engineering and prepare a brief summary.