D1.3 Mutations and Gene Editing

This ready-to-teach IBDP Biology lesson pack covers D1.3 Mutation and Gene Editing, guiding students through the molecular basis of gene mutations, their consequences, and modern approaches to gene editing.

Students explore substitutions, insertions, deletions, SNPs, frameshift mutations, mutagens, somatic and germline mutations, genetic variation, gene knockout, CRISPR-Cas9, prime editing, and conserved sequences. The resource combines clear teacher presentation slides with structured student notes and guided activities to support both conceptual understanding and application.

Designed for minimal preparation, this pack provides a complete sequence of learning with embedded questions, model answers, diagrams, external links, simulation-based tasks, and sequence-alignment activities.

What’s Included?

• PowerPoint presentation on D1.3 Mutation and Gene Editing
• Student notes document
• Teacher/presentation notes PDF
• Guided student questions
• Model answers and explanation notes
• Sequence alignment task using Clustal Omega
• Links to relevant videos and online learning tools

Topics Covered

• Gene mutations as structural changes to DNA
• Substitution, insertion and deletion mutations
• SNPs and base substitutions
• Silent, missense and nonsense mutations
• Frameshift mutations
• Causes of mutation
• Radiation and chemical mutagens
• Randomness of mutation
• Germ cell and somatic cell mutations
• Mutation as a source of genetic variation
• Gene knockout in model organisms
• CRISPR sequences and Cas9
• Prime editing
• Applications of CRISPR-Cas9
• Conserved and highly conserved gene sequences
• Sequence alignment and evolutionary relationships

Why Teachers Love This Resource

• Ready to teach with minimal preparation.
• Closely structured around IBDP Biology D1.3 learning objectives.
• Includes both SL/HL content and Additional Higher Level content.
• Provides clear explanations, diagrams and worked examples.
• Includes student-centred activities and guided practice.
• Supports active learning through simulations and sequence alignment.
• Includes embedded questions with teacher answer guidance.
• Useful for classroom teaching, revision, independent study or cover work.
• Helps students connect mutation theory with real-world genetic technologies.

Suitable For

• IBDP Biology
• High School Biology
• Advanced Biology courses covering mutation and gene editing