Download Transcription, Translation, and Protein Synthesis

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Transcription, Translation, and Protein Synthesis
By now you know that the genetic code for life is contained in the form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic
acid). You may not be aware of how this code is used to make life work the way that it does. The
way that the genetic code of DNA is expressed is through the production of specialized proteins that
travel throughout the living being and perform a particular function. Proteins are not directly made
from DNA though. The code must first be converted into a couple of different forms before the construction of proteins can take place. That is where transcription and translation come in. These are
the processes that precede the production of proteins. In this activity you will simulate the steps that
are taken by the cell in the production of proteins from the DNA code.
Directions:
1. Assemble groups of three and within each group decide on one person for each of the following roles: RNA polymerase, tRNA, and ribosome (these roles should be changed for each
protein constructed).
2. The RNA polymerase must go up to the “nucleus” (the front desk) and choose one of the DNA
template cards. This person will write down the number of the card and transcribe the code
into mRNA. The DNA card can not leave the nucleus.
3. The RNA polymerase will then travel through the cytoplasm (the classroom) to the group table
and give the mRNA to the ribosome.
4. The ribosome will read off the codons on the mRNA while the group determines the amino
acid that is needed and the anticodon that must be present on the tRNA. (Remember you need
a start and stop codon be begin and end the amino acid sequence). Record these in the table.
5. The tRNA will then travel through the cytoplasm (classroom) and find the matching anticodon
and amino acids. This person will return to their group with the amino acids.
6. The ribosome will create a protein by forming a polypeptide bond between the amino acids
(tape them together).
7. When all members of the group have the protein created flip it over to read the sentence that
was created. Record the sentence.
8. This process should be repeated for 2 different DNA template cards. Switch roles each time.
Note: Errors may occur; you should make sure that you write exactly what appears on the cards and
not try to correct the errors.
KC 4 Science
© 2008 Kent ISD
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Transcription, Translation, and Protein Synthesis (continued)
Use this chart to record the information for your lab.
DNA #
DNA code
mRNA codons
tRNA anticodons
Amino acid
Sentence
DNA #
DNA code
mRNA codons
tRNA anticodons
Amino acid
Sentence
DNA #
DNA code
mRNA codons
tRNA anticodons
Amino acid
Sentence
KC 4 Science
© 2008 Kent ISD
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Transcription, Translation, and Protein Synthesis (continued)
Questions
1. Describe/define the process of transcription. Include the start and end components as well as
the location.
2. Describe/define the process of translation. Include the start and end components as well as the
location.
3. How are the DNA template strand and the tRNA codes similar? Different?
4. How are the DNA strand that is not coding and mRNA codes similar? Different?
5. What would happen if there were an addition of an extra base to the DNA template sequence?
6. Make a concept map linking the following terms DNA, mRNA, rRNA, tRNA, codon, anticodon, amino acids, peptide bond, protein, transcription, translation (you may use additional
terms if you would like). Remember the arrows of concept map must state the connection they
have. For example:
Transcription
produces
mRNA
contains
Codons
KC 4 Science
© 2008 Kent ISD