Download Café DNA - www .alexandria .k12 .mn .us

Essential Question 3: How does DNA code for proteins and what does it
have to do with how my body works?
Café DNA
Developing Understanding ___/4
A simulation in transcription/translation
Working Conditions:
What?...to construct a model (protein) from verbal instructions only!
Who?...
 1 – Menu (DNA)
 1 – Waiter or Waitress (mRNA)
 1 – Grocery gopher (tRNA)
 2 – Kitchen cooks (ribosome)
Job Description: DNA (Menu)
The job of DNA is to give information for protein synthesis to the mRNA.
The DNA resides in the cell’s nucleus – in this case, the hallway. The DNA is
to look carefully at the blueprint (model) for their group’s protein. They may
NOT show the model to anyone else in their group! When visited by the
mRNA, the DNA is to enter the room and explain a portion of the model to
mRNA.
Job Description: mRNA (Waiter/Waitress)
mRNA is to get the “blueprint” message from the DNA. The mRNA may NOT
leave the room or attempt to see the model. If this occurs, the protein
undergoes a lethal (deadly) mutation, and the group must start over. Once
the mRNA has the message, he/she must explain it to the tRNA. Multiple
trips to the DNA will be required to get the entire message for the protein
model.
Job Description: tRNA (Grocery gopher)
The job of tRNA is to get amino acids (building materials) for the ribosomes
so they are able to assemble the proteins. Once tRNA has the materials,
he/she is to explain the building procedure to the ribosomes . tRNA may
NOT help the ribosomes actually build the protein or it is considered a lethal
mutation and the group must begin again!
Job Description: Ribosomes (Kitchen cooks)
Ribosomes actually assemble the protein from the materials and information
relayed to them by the tRNA. They must listen and work carefully to
assemble the pieces in the proper sequence. Any mutations are a result of
the ribosomes reconstructing their protein incorrectly. Again, the tRNA may
NOT assist in the actual building of the model.
TO WIN: The first group to complete their model must have it checked
for mutations. All mutations must be repaired before a group is considered
the winners.
Analysis Questions:
1. What was the hardest part of this simulation? Why?
2. Why is it important to get the assembly of amino acids just right in the
construction of a protein?
3. Which parts of this activity were transcription, and “who” needed to be
involved?
4. Which parts of this activity were translation, and “who” needed to be
involved?
5. What is a mutation? How can mutations be caused?
6. Is a mutation always a bad thing? Explain.
7. How is this simulation different from the way transcription and
translation take place in a real cell?