Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Biology
Lesson Topic: describe the differences between structural genes and regulatory genes and the differences between repressible enzymes and inducible enzymes
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the key differences between structural genes and regulatory genes.
  • Explain how repressible enzymes are turned off by end‑product accumulation.
  • Explain how inducible enzymes are activated by the presence of a specific substrate.
  • Compare the roles of these gene types and enzyme classes in metabolic pathways.
  • Apply the concepts to predict gene‑expression outcomes in simple scenarios.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slide deck with operon diagrams
  • Handout summarising structural vs. regulatory genes and enzyme regulation
  • Printed lac operon schematic (cards for a modelling activity)
  • Worksheet with comparison tables and short questions
  • Clickers or online quiz tool for quick checks
Introduction:

Begin with the question, “What would happen if a factory kept all its machines running all the time?” Students recall basic transcription/translation concepts, then are told they will learn how cells switch genes and enzymes on or off. Success criteria are stated: by the end they will be able to distinguish structural from regulatory genes and explain repressible versus inducible enzyme control.

Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Matching activity: pair gene names with their functions.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Slides comparing structural and regulatory genes, highlighting location and products.
  3. Guided analysis (10') – Examine comparison tables for repressible vs. inducible enzymes; discuss examples.
  4. Group modelling (15') – Using printed lac‑operon cards, students simulate induction and repression scenarios.
  5. Check for understanding (5') – Clicker quiz with immediate feedback on key differences.
  6. Summary discussion (5') – Students verbally recap the four main distinctions.
Conclusion:

Review the four core contrasts covered today and ask a few students to summarise each in their own words. Students complete an exit ticket stating one real‑world example of an inducible and a repressible system. For homework, they answer a short worksheet that asks them to predict gene‑expression outcomes for novel metabolic scenarios.