| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Biology |
| Lesson Topic: explain genetic control of protein production in a prokaryote using the lac operon (knowledge of the role of cAMP is not expected) |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the components of the lac operon and their functions.
- Explain how the presence or absence of lactose regulates transcription of the lac genes.
- Illustrate the sequence of molecular events that lead to enzyme production when lactose is present.
- Predict the outcome of mutations in the lacI gene or operator region on protein synthesis.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector or interactive whiteboard
- PowerPoint slides with lac operon diagram
- Handout summarising lac operon components
- Whiteboard and markers
- Sticky notes for student labeling activity
- Quiz cards for formative check
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick question: “What would happen to a bacterium if it kept producing enzymes for a sugar it never encounters?” Recall that transcription can be turned on or off. Today students will explore how E. coli uses the lac operon to control protein production, and they will know the success criteria: identify operon parts, explain regulation, and diagram the induction process.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5'): Students write a brief answer to a prompt on gene regulation on a sticky note.
- Mini‑lecture (10'): Present the lac operon components and diagram via slides.
- Guided analysis (12'): Walk through the “absence of lactose” scenario on the whiteboard.
- Interactive simulation (10'): Use an online app to model lactose induction; students predict outcomes.
- Group activity (8'): Teams label a printed operon diagram and explain each step.
- Formative quiz (5'): Quick Kahoot/quiz cards to check understanding.
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Conclusion:
Summarise that the lac operon switches on enzyme production only when allolactose is present, linking inducer binding to transcriptional activation. Students complete an exit ticket describing one step of the induction process. For homework, assign a short worksheet comparing inducible and repressible systems.
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