Download Biology Activity – Secret Message

Biology Activity – Secret Message
Directions:
1. Copy the following DNA strand onto a sheet of paper (Turn the paper sideways to
use it in the longest direction). If it is longer than one line, skip at least 6 lines
and continue copying. Label this molecule Strand A.
DNA strand: ACC GCT TTG ACA CCG GTG GAT AAG TTA CCA TCC ATG
TTC ACG TTT TTA GCG TTG CCT GTA TCT CTG TAG AAA
AGA
(NOTE: THIS IS A SINGLE STRAND OF DNA. ONLY ONE OF THE
BACKBONES)
2. Directly below the DNA strand, transcribe the RNA transcript from this DNA
segment. Label this molecule Strand B.
3. Directly beneath the mRNA strand, translate the amino acid sequence from this
mRNA strand. Use the amino acid chart handed out in class or in your book on
page (H-172, A- 143). Label this molecule Strand C.
4. Below the amino acid sequence, use the following key to decode the secret
message. Label this Secret Message.
Letter of Alphabet
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
Amino Acid
Letter of Alphabet
Phenylalanine
Serine
Tyrosine
Cysteine
Leucine
Tryptophan
Proline
Histidine
Arginine
Glutamine
K, V, Start of Word
Methionine (start)
Amino Acid
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
Isoleucine
Threonine
Asparagine
Lysine
Alanine
Valine
Aspartic acid
Glycine
Glutamic acid
End of Word
Stop codon
(NOTE: Methionine is acting as a “wild card” amino acid for this secret message
since there are not 26 amino acids available.)
5. When you decipher (figure out) the secret message, DO WHAT IT SAYS. This will
be your answer to Question #1.
Questions:
1. What is the answer to the secret message?
2. What would the DNA code be for the following word?:
“supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”
3. What is the scientific term for the formation of Strand B? Strand C?
4. Where does the formation of Strand B occur? Strand C?
5. What role does each different type of RNA play in the formation of Strand C?