Biology - HOT Science Lab

Teacher
Protein Synthesis: Transcription and Translation
(Adapted from: Protein Synthesis Lab, www.Accessexcellence.org)
NGSSS:
SC.912.L.16.3 Describe the basic process of DNA replication and how it relates to the
transmission and conservation of the genetic information. (AA)
Purpose of Lab/Activity:
The student will learn the process of RNA transcription.
The student will understand the implication of a mistake in RNA translation.
Prerequisites:
Students should have already been introduced to the structure of DNA including the
phosphate backbone, deoxyribose sugar location, and the nucleotides found within it
such as Adenine (A), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G) and Thymine (T).
Students should have learned about the importance of the base-pairing rule in DNA
structure and DNA replication.
Students should understand process of transcription and compare of transcription vs.
replication.
o similarities: base-pairing rule crucial for both; monomers added one at a time and
joined by covalent bonds; carried out by a polymerase enzyme
o differences (see table on page 4 of student protocol)
Students should understand the process of translation, including roles of mRNA, tRNA
and ribosomes
o understand function of mRNA and tRNA
o mRNA carries genetic message from nucleus to ribosomes; each mRNA codes for the
sequence of amino acids in a protein and each triplet codon in the mRNA codes for a
specific amino acid in the protein
o tRNA needed for translation -- different types of tRNA bring the right amino acid for
each position in the polypeptide; tRNA anti-codon has three nucleotides which are
complementary to the three nucleotides in an mRNA codon; the other end of each
tRNA molecule binds to the amino acid specified by that mRNA codon
o explain how proteins are synthesized using genetic information from DNA
Materials (per group):
Pencils
DNA strands worksheet
Procedures: Day of Activity:
Before
activity:
What the teacher will do:
a. Make copies of the strands of DNA and table worksheet.
b. Essential Question: ―What effect would occur from the change in the exact
chemical makeup of a protein‖
c. Review the vocabulary words and the importance of the DNA ―language‖
d. Each codon (three nitrogenous base) codes for a specific amino acid;
discuss what will happen if one or two nitrogenous base is missing or
deleted.
Biology HSL Page 207
Curriculum and Instruction