Download DNA transcription and translation project instruction sheet

DNA transcription and translation project instruction sheet
Introduction:
DNA is simply put: the code of life. Every living thing on the planet has its own unique
genetic code. This project is designed to help you understand the steps involved in DNA
transcription and translation into proteins. Those proteins are the basis for the traits found in
all living things. You will be going through the steps of protein synthesis from DNA to RNA to
amino acids, and determining features of a person’s face based on their genetic code.
Assignment:
The following genetic code is a fictional representation of the genetic information to make a
human face. For the sake of this project, and time constraints, the genetic code has been
extremely simplified and the proteins have already been identified. Use the Amino Acid
Codon Sheet, The Amino Acid Guide and your lecture notes to transcribe the DNA sequence
to RNA, and then translate the codons into amino acids. When you figure out the amino
acids, use the Amino Acid Guide to see what traits this person has. This is an individual
project.
Part one: homework due Monday 1/14:
1. Transcribe the DNA into RNA on the DNA sheet for your “person”
2. Translate RNA into amino acids and fill out the Project DNA Chart to show what traits
your person has.
Part two: Due at the beginning of class Thursday 1/17:
3. Type the answers to the questions below.
4. Draw a colored picture of the person’s face on a standard white piece of paper.
5. Staple the project together before turning it in with: the essay on top, then the chart,
then the transcription sheet, and the drawing in the back. (Do not include any of the
instruction pages.)
Questions: answer as an essay with a heading with your name etc.
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5.
Describe the process of DNA transcription.
How do the codons of mRNA translate into the order of amino acids in a protein?
What is the function of tRNA?
Where in the cell, and in what organelles does protein synthesis take place?
Specifically, in what ways was this project a good model of how the genetic code is
used to create an organism? In what ways is it simplified?
6. For the sake of simplicity, many facial features have been omitted in this project. Make
a list (10 minimum) of the different details that would have to be coded for in a real
persons’ face that were not addressed in this exercise.