Transcription and Translation
Objectives:
Define transcription and translation
Diagram the process of using codons from the DNA code bracelets
Differentiate between replication, transcription, and translation
Crosscutting concepts:
Structure and Function
Integrated Content:
Reading
Real world applications:
Resist infection because antibodies are made of proteins, Gene regulation- insulin, hormones,
fight or flight, Body Growth- repairing bone, increasing muscle size, enzymes break down food,
Leveled questions:
What difference exists between replication and transcription?
Classify the parts of transcription by order of sequence
What would you predict would happen to the protein if a nucleotide was matched incorrectly
during transcription
Catch:
DNA Code bracelets
Activity:
DNA Code Bracelets- your name in DNA code
Transcription and Translation videos, retrieved from DNA learning center.org
http://www.dnalc.org/resources/3d/15-translation-basic.html
http://www.dnalc.org/resources/animations/
Transcription and translation guided reading, retrieved from http://serendip.bryynmawr.edu
Semantic mapping of Transcription and Translation, small group and whole class activity
Transcription and Translation
Accommodations:



Students with reading difficulties may work in a pair with another student for the guided
reading or receive extra time to complete the worksheet based on need
Students with visual difficulties may view the video’s on a lab top or PC or a summary of the
videos will be provided if needed
A sample flow chart (fill in the blanks) may be provided to students who have difficulty
conceptualizing or organizing content
Safety:
There are no safety concerns for today’s lesson. Students should be reminded of rules for
working in small groups and classroom discussions.
Assessments:
Guided reading worksheet (formative and summative)
Flowchart (formative)
Review:
Transcription- is the copying of DNA to RNA (mRNA), the beginning process of protein synthesis
Translation- is the process of using mRNA to code and connect amino acids to create a
polypeptide chain (protein)
Transcription is similar to replication only it uses a U instead of a T
There are many parts to transcription, one being the tRNA which carries the amino acids
Standards:
SC11.1.1: The Cell: Explain the processes of life, which necessitates an understanding of
relationships between structure and function of the cell and cellular differentiation. Identify
activities taking place in an organism related to metabolic activities in cells, including growth,
regulation, transport, and homeostasis. Differentiate between asexual and sexual reproduction.
SC11.1.2: Molecular Basis of Heredity: Demonstrate an understanding that organisms ensure species
continuity by passing genetic information from parent to offspring. Utilize genetic information to make
predictions about possible offspring. Apply concepts of molecular biology (DNA and genes) to recent
discoveries.
SC11.2.3: Students clearly and accurately communicate the result of their own work as well as
information from other sources
Transcription and Translation
Outline:
10 min
Catch- code bracelets
15 min
transcription and translation videos
30 min
guided reading
15 min
Flow chart, small group
15 min
Flow chart, whole class
2 min
Review
Transcription and Translation
Your name in DNA Code
Charm Instructions
Use the codes below to work out your DNA code for your name.
For example:
FRED BLOGGS would be:
F
TTT
R
CGT
E
GAG
D
GAT
B
GCA
L
CTC
O
GAT
G
GGG
G
GGG
Our Alphabet
Codon
Our Alphabet
Codon
A
GCT
N
GAC
B
GCA
O
GAT
C
TGC
P
CCC
D
SAT
Q
GAG
E
GAG
R
CGT
F
TTT
S
TCA
G
GGG
T
ACT
H
CAT
U
ACG
I
ATA
V
GTC
J
ATC
W
TGG
K
AAG
X
GTA
L
CTC
Y
TAC
M
ATG
Z
TAT
S
TCA
Bracelets Only:
If you are making the bracelet, then you need to also work out the pairing codon. DNA has
a pairing system where each base pairs (A, G, C, T) always pairs up with the same partner C
with G and A with T, so:
Original
Pair
F
TTT
AAA
R
CGT
GCA
E
GAG
CTC
D
GAT
CTA
B
GCA
CGT
L
CTC
GAG
O
GAT
CTA
G
GGG
CCC
G
GGG
CCC
S
TCA
AGT
Transcription and Translation
Flow Chart
1. Students will work in groups of three to create a flow chart of DNA to protein
2. They can use any resources available including, but not limited to: book, notes,
worksheets, class videos, internet (if necessary).
3. The flow chart can be designed in any format but must have a logical flow of events. Be
as creative as you like, you are not limited to your choice of medium (poster board,
drawings, computer design).
4. It must include all major components of transcription and translation.
Terms you may or may not use:
DNA, RNA, T, A, G, C, U, template strand, transcription, mRNA, tRNA,
Ribosome, codon, anticodon, amino acid, start codon, stop codon, protein, RNA
polymerase, rRNA,
5. It must include a diagram of the sequence of events for the following sequence
TACAAGCCCGATATT (template strand)
ATGTTCGGGCTATAA (complimentary strand)
6. After 15 min the students will place their flow charts at the front of the classroom for
comparison.
7. As a class we will create another flowchart to include all the components of
Transcription and Translation based on the student’s flow charts.
Transcription and Translation
Transcription and Translation
Transcription and Translation
Transcription and Translation
Transcription and Translation
Transcription and Translation
Transcription and Translation