Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ______________________
Snork Name: Snapple Snork
Gene 1
DNA Sequence
Snork Characteristics sheet
T T A T A C C A G T C G T T T A T T T C A T C A
mRNA Sequence
Amino Acid Sequence
Phenotype
Gene 2
DNA Sequence
T T A T A C A T G G G G G T T G T C T T T A T C
mRNA Sequence
Amino Acid Sequence
Phenotype
Gene 3
DNA Sequence
G T T T A C G A G A A T T C A C G C A T C G C T
mRNA Sequence
Amino Acid Sequence
Phenotype
Gene 4
DNA Sequence
C A G G G C T A C C A A C G C C G A A T T C C C
mRNA Sequence
Amino Acid Sequence
Phenotype
Gene 5
DNA Sequence
mRNA Sequence
Amino Acid Sequence
Phenotype
T A T A T A G G G T A C G T G T A A A C T C C T
Snorks: Simulating How DNA Determines the Traits of an Organism
In this simulation, you use a DNA sequence to examine of a fictitious organism – the Snork. Snorks were
discovered on the planet Dee Enae in a distant solar system. Snorks only have one chromosome with 5 genes on
it. The DNA sequence on these genes provides the code for the physical traits also called the phenotype of the
Snork. Your job is to analyze your Snork’s DNA to determine its traits (phenotype).
Snork DNA is the same as all other living organisms. Snork DNA uses the same code and same system to make
proteins. To complete this project you will need to use an mRNA Codon/Amino Acid Chart (Universal Genetic
Code Chart).
In addition, the Snork Institute of Genetics (SIG) has provided the Snork DNA to Phenotype Chart below to
help you determine your Snorks phenotype.
*The amino acid sequence that codes for a protein, which give an organism it’s trait (phenotype), is found
between the start and stop codons. Anything before the start codon and anything after the stop codon is NOT
used.
Directions:
1) Complete your Snork Characteristics sheet to show your analysis of your Snorks DNA.
2) Have your teacher check your analysis.
3) Draw your Snork with all 5 phenotypes on the next page in your notebook.
Snork DNA to Phenotype Chart
Gene
Gene 1 - Body Covering
Gene 2 – Body Style
Gene 3 – Leg Size
Gene 4 – Head Shape
Gene 5 – Tail
Amino Acid Sequence
val – ser – leu
val – ser – lys
tyr – pro – glu – glu – lys
tyr – pro – thr – glu – lys
leu – leu – leu – pro
leu – leu – ser – ala
ala – val – val
val – ala – ala
his – iso
his – his
Phenotype Description
Hairless body
Hairy body
Plump body
Skinny body
Tall legs
Short legs
Round head
Square head
Tail
No tail