Activity 322 The Genetic CodeIntroductionIn The
Activity 3.2.2: The Genetic Code
Introduction
In the previous activity, you learned how DNA encodes the instructions for creating proteins. You also learned about the basics of the process of protein synthesis. In this activity you will apply your knowledge of transcription and translation to decode a secret message as well as investigate the effect that various mutations have on protein production. You will then look specifically at the genetic mutation that causes sickle cell disease.
Equipment
Computer
Laboratory journal
DNA sequence
Activity 3.2.2: mRNA
Activity 3.2.2: tRNA
Activity 3.2.2: Codon – Amino Acid Dictionary
Scissors
Tape
Procedure
Part I: Transcribing and Translating the Genetic Code
1. Work through the Transcribe and Translate a Gene animation from the Learn.Genetics: Genetic Learning Center’s website, available from http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/molecules/transcribe/.
2. Note that in this activity, you will simulate the protein synthesis process. In this simulation, you will translate the code and join letters to make sentences in the way amino acids join to form a completed protein.
3. Work in a group to obtain a pair of scissors, tape, a DNA sequence, an mRNA sheet, a tRNA sheet, and a Codon – Amino Acid Dictionary from your teacher.
4. Work as a group to cut out all of the mRNA molecules and place them in a pile.
5. Your teacher will assign your group one of the DNA sentence strips.
6. Use your knowledge of transcription to build an mRNA strand with your mRNA molecules that is complementary to your DNA sentence, base pair by base pair. Remember, in RNA, adenine pairs with uracil. Spread the base pairs on the floor or a long lab bench. Tape the mRNA molecules together.
7. Fill in the appropriate tRNA bases on the tRNA sheet.
8. Work as a group to cut out the tRNA molecules and assemble them complementary to the mRNA strand. Tape the tRNA molecules together.
9. Review the following key points about protein synthesis to use as your
Introduction
In the previous activity, you learned how DNA encodes the instructions for creating proteins. You also learned about the basics of the process of protein synthesis. In this activity you will apply your knowledge of transcription and translation to decode a secret message as well as investigate the effect that various mutations have on protein production. You will then look specifically at the genetic mutation that causes sickle cell disease.
Equipment
Computer
Laboratory journal
DNA sequence
Activity 3.2.2: mRNA
Activity 3.2.2: tRNA
Activity 3.2.2: Codon – Amino Acid Dictionary
Scissors
Tape
Procedure
Part I: Transcribing and Translating the Genetic Code
1. Work through the Transcribe and Translate a Gene animation from the Learn.Genetics: Genetic Learning Center’s website, available from http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/molecules/transcribe/.
2. Note that in this activity, you will simulate the protein synthesis process. In this simulation, you will translate the code and join letters to make sentences in the way amino acids join to form a completed protein.
3. Work in a group to obtain a pair of scissors, tape, a DNA sequence, an mRNA sheet, a tRNA sheet, and a Codon – Amino Acid Dictionary from your teacher.
4. Work as a group to cut out all of the mRNA molecules and place them in a pile.
5. Your teacher will assign your group one of the DNA sentence strips.
6. Use your knowledge of transcription to build an mRNA strand with your mRNA molecules that is complementary to your DNA sentence, base pair by base pair. Remember, in RNA, adenine pairs with uracil. Spread the base pairs on the floor or a long lab bench. Tape the mRNA molecules together.
7. Fill in the appropriate tRNA bases on the tRNA sheet.
8. Work as a group to cut out the tRNA molecules and assemble them complementary to the mRNA strand. Tape the tRNA molecules together.
9. Review the following key points about protein synthesis to use as your