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NAME _____________
RICE KRISPIE TREATS! A PROTEIN SYNTHESIS SIMULATION
1. List your group members:
rRNA ___________________
mRNA __________________
tRNA 1: ___________________
tRNA 3: _________________
tRNA 2: ___________________
tRNA 4: _________________
2. Group color ____________
3. For each item listed below, identify the molecule or process in protein synthesis that is being
simulated.
SIMULATION
PROTEIN SYNTHESIS
4. Description of finished protein:
Science Office
Colored Papers in Office
Code on colored cards
5. Correct polypeptide shown: (get
Ingredients and instructions
stamp)
Final Product
Person going to science office
Table with ingredients
6. Lab cleaned up according to
Lab station
directions: (get stamp)
Group Leader
Students with cards
Analysis Questions
1. Check with the other groups in the class. What other variants of the gene exist? How similar or
dissimilar were their DNA sequence?
2. In real life, how can mutations occur? List at least two mutagens. What things do teenagers do that
could cause mutations?
3. Could the same mRNA be used again by passing it to the next station? Can/does this occur in the
cell also?
4. Can a specific tRNA pick up different ingredients? Explain.
5. Can a tRNA be used again? Explain.
6. Were all the codons involved in the production of this polypeptide (protein)? Give examples.
7. Were all the amino acids (ingredients) present in the room used to make this polypeptide?
8. If an essential amino acid were not present in a person’s diet could all proteins be made?
9. Give an example from the lab of an amino acid that had to be present before the polypeptide could
be produced.
10. Explain the analogy made to the process of protein synthesis.