Free genetics PowerPoint presentations for teachers and students, created by teachers from around the world. There are 58 presentations below covering DNA, protein synthesis, cell division, inheritance, mutation and genetic technology, from KS3 through GCSE to A level. Click a title to download the slides, then edit them to suit your lessons.
DNA structure and replication PowerPoints
The structure of DNA, chromosomes, how DNA copies itself and the story of its discovery.
- The history of DNA
- DNA: an overview
- DNA structure
- Structure of DNA
- DNA part 1
- DNA or no DNA?
- Chromosome
- Replication of DNA and chromosomes
- DNA replication flash cards
Genes and protein synthesis PowerPoints
The genetic code, how genes make proteins and how gene expression is controlled.
- Gene function and structure
- Genetic code
- How DNA makes protein
- Protein synthesis
- Protein synthesis (simplified)
- Lac operon
- Reverse transcription
Cell division: mitosis and meiosis PowerPoints
How cells divide for growth and to make gametes, and what happens when division goes wrong.
Back to topicsInheritance and Mendel PowerPoints
Mendel’s experiments, genetic crosses, genotypes and phenotypes, and sex linkage.
- Genetics
- Genetics (2)
- Genetics: inheritance
- Inheritance basic
- Inheritance assessment
- Gregor Mendel
- Mendel
- Mendelian genetics
- Mendel’s law of segregation
- Monohybrid
- Variation and the monohybrid cross
- Dihybrid inheritance
- Genetic crosses
- Genotype and phenotype
- Genetic traits
- Sex linkage
Variation and mutation PowerPoints
What causes variation and how mutations change genes.
Back to topicsGenetic technology PowerPoints
Genetic engineering, cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA fingerprinting and biotechnology.
- Advances in genetics
- Genetic engineering
- Genetic engineering (2)
- Cloning lesson
- Cloning: science fiction or science fact?
- Cell and tissue culture
- Plant transformation methods
- Biotechnology demonstration
- PCR
- Real time PCR
- Recombinant DNA and polymerase chain reaction PCR
- Electrophoresis
- Gel electrophoresis
- DNA fingerprinting
Genetic testing and the human genome PowerPoints
Screening for genetic conditions and what the Human Genome Project revealed.
Back to topicsTips for teaching genetics with PowerPoint
- Use models before diagrams. Show a 3D image or model of DNA first, then move to the flat diagram students draw in exams.
- Build Punnett squares step by step. Fill in the parents, then the gametes, then each box, pausing for students to predict.
- Animate mitosis and meiosis. Simple animations of chromosomes lining up and separating are far clearer than a page of stages.
- Bring in real examples. Cystic fibrosis, blood groups or eye colour make inheritance feel personal and memorable.
- Discuss the ethics. Cloning, genetic testing and genetic engineering work well as debate slides.
- Finish with key terms. Allele, genotype, phenotype, dominant and recessive are worth a summary slide every time.
More free biology PowerPoints
Back to all biology PowerPoints, or see cell biology, evolution, classification and ecology. Other sciences: chemistry and physics.
Want to see DNA in 3D? Try the VR biology apps reviewed at The XR School.