Date ______
Protein Synthesis Web Activity
Protein synthesis overview
Go to the website below. Read the animation page by page – just
click the “next” button when you are ready.
http://www.wisc-online.com/objects/index_tj.asp?objid=AP1302
1. Describe the role of DNA in the synthesis of mRNA?
2. How does the cell determine how many copies of mRNA
to create?
3. Explain the interaction between the ribosome and the
mRNA molecule in protein synthesis.
4. True or False: Each codon stands for a single amino acid.
5. Describe the structure of a tRNA molecule.
6. In the diagram to the below label the following:
 ribosome,
 mRNA,
 tRNA,
 amino acids,
 anticodon.
7. Why is ATP necessary for the ribosome to function?
8. What happens to the polypeptide chain after it leaves the
ribosome?
9. What happens to the mRNA once the cell has all of the
proteins that it needs?
Name _______________
Date ______
Protein Synthesis Web Activity
Name _______________
Transcription and translation
Go to the website below. Click the button that says “click here to begin.” Use the keyboard to type the bases that would
form the mRNA. Follow the instructions to determine the order of the amino acids.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/molecules/transcribe/
1. Type in the mRNA sequence that is complementary to the DNA sequence. Record your answer below:
2. Describe the process of transcription (look at the bottom of the web page).
3. After transcription is complete, the strand of mRNA must be translated. Describe the process of translation.
4. Each protein made during translation must begin with the “Met” amino acid. What is the combination of mRNA
nucleotides that corresponds to “Met?”
5. To translate the mRNA sequence, drag the amino acid from the chart to the flashing box. List the order of amino
acids for the entire mRNA molecule. List the order of your amino acids.
6. Explain the significance of the mRNA sequence “UAG.”