Protein Synthesis: DNA Transcription and Translation Notes
Essential Question: How are proteins created inside my body and how is my DNA involved?
What are the
basic steps to
creating a
protein?
What is RNA?
What happens
during
transcription?
What happens
during
translation?

DNA is used by our bodies to make proteins. There are two steps in making proteins:
1) DNA _______________________
2) DNA _______________________

________________________ is the process of copying a segment of a DNA molecule to
produce a matching strand of RNA.

RNA stands of _____________________________________. It is also a nucleic acid, just like
DNA.

There are two major differences between RNA and DNA. RNA only has __________
_______________ and RNA has ____________________ rather than thymine.

So in RNA, adenine pairs with ____________________ (A-U). Cytosine still pairs with
________________. (C-G)…no change there!

In Transcription, DNA “unzips” just like in _______________________.

While it is unzipped, an enzyme makes a strand of __________ by matching up the base
pairs with one side of the unzipped DNA.

After the RNA is created, the DNA re-zips and looks __________________to how it looked
prior to transcription.

During the final step, translation, the newly created RNA travels to a
____________________ to be “translated.” This is where the RNA’s base pairs (adenine,
uracil, cytosine, and guanine) are “read” in threes.

Each set of three letters codes for a different ______________ _________________.

An ________________________ goes down the line and reads each set of three base pairs,
just like a scanner at the store.

As it reads, the ______________ __________________ are created.

Then, the amino acids link together to form a ________________________.
Summary: In the space below, write 2-3 sentences that answer the essential question using the information in your
notes.