Computer Tutorials for Replication, transcription and translation
Procedure:
1. Go to the following website: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/dna/index.html#
2. Select DNA workshop activity.
3. Look at the information below “DNA Replication” on the top left.
4. From what you read, in your own words, explain what happens during this
process.
5. Click on “DNA replication.”
6. Click “unzip.” What kinds of bonds are broken when the DNA molecule unzips?
7. Click “OK.”
8. You will see you DNA molecule separated. In the space below, list the sequence
of bases along the parent strands for the left and right side of the original
molecule.
Left
Right
9. Now, drag the bases in the blue box to the left to their appropriate complementary
bases.
10. What bases always paired together?
A
T
C
G
11. Read the message that comes up when you are finished, then click “OK.”
12. Compare the 2 strands of DNA. How do they compare?
13. Where in the cell is this process taking place?
14. Why is this process necessary? In other words, why would a cell need to make a
2nd copy of the DNA?
15. Now you are ready to go onto protein synthesis. Select that button from the top
right.
16. Click on “unzip.” Read the message that comes up, and click “OK.”
17. So far, this looks like DNA replication. As you proceed to the next step, you
should see some differences.
18. Drag the bases from the box to the left to the appropriate complementary bases
along the DNA molecule.
19. What bases paired with each of the following on DNA:
a. A 
b. C 
c. G 
d. T 
20. How is this different from replication in terms of the base pairing rules?
21. Once you have paired all of the bases, a message comes up. Read the message.
What have you produced during transcription?
22. According to the message, where in the cell will this molecule produced go once
it has been produced?
23. Click “OK.” A new screen appears.
24. What is the pink structure called? (This is where proteins will be made.)
25. What is the name given to the group of 3 bases on mRNA?
26. What is the name given to the group of 3 bases on tRNA?
27. The codon AUG pairs up with what anticodon?
28. Move that tRNA with the anticodon named in #27 to pair up with the codon
AUG. Once the anticodon and codon pair up, what does the ribosome do?
29. Read the message that pops up, and click “OK.”
30. Keep moving tRNA’s into the appropriate spot, matching codons and anticodons.
Another message will come up. Read it. What has been made by linking amino
acids together?
31. What kind of codon will end this process? Click “OK” to end the tutorial.