Name___________________________________Date_________________Class_________________
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Proteins From a Double Helix
In this Chapter Project, you will explore the structure of DNA and develop a presentation about how
DNA is involved in the production of proteins. The discovery of the structure of DNA was one of the
great advancements in biology during the twentieth century. In this project, you’ll gain insight into
why that discovery was so important.
First, you will work with a group to plan and build a model of a DNA molecule. Then, your group
will develop a presentation that explains how DNA molecules are involved in protein synthesis within
cells. Finally, your group will show the model and make the presentation of protein synthesis to the
class.
Project Rules
• Complete Project Worksheet 1 on your own, and then share it with your group as you plan the
model of a DNA molecule.
• Plan and build a model of a DNA molecule with your group using materials of your choice. Your
model should be accurate in its representation of a DNA molecule, and it should have at least ten
rungs on its ladder.
• Complete Project Worksheet 2 on your own, and then share it with your group as you plan a
presentation about the process of protein synthesis.
• Develop a presentation showing the steps of protein synthesis. Your presentation should be
clear, logical, and complete. The method of presentation is up to you and your group. For
example, you can make a poster, film a video, use a computer presentation program, write an
illustrated report, or another method of your choice. Get your teacher’s approval of the
method you choose before proceeding.
• You will make a presentation to the class in which you will show your explanation of the
process of protein synthesis.
Suggested Materials
• Poster board, markers, colored pencils
• Paper for model building
• Objects found in the classroom or brought from home
Name___________________________________Date_________________Class_________________
Project Hints for Building a Model of DNA
• As you plan to build a model of DNA, you may want to make a detailed and labeled sketch of the
molecule. Write out the sequence of bases you’ll use on each side of the molecule.
• Begin thinking about your model by drawing the basic shapes you’ll need: a deoxyribose molecule,
a phosphate molecule, and a nitrogen base.
Use the illustrations in your text or provided by your teacher as references for making these shapes.
• Make sure you use a different color for each part of a DNA molecule.
• You may want to use a marker to label each part of your DNA molecule.
• Keep in mind that a DNA molecule is in the shape of a double helix—like a twisted ladder. Your
model should have that shape.
Project Hints for Presenting Protein Synthesis
• Your first task in developing a presentation of protein synthesis is to decide as a group how you
will present the information. Discuss what information needs to be presented as well as the various
methods each of you has used before. Consider several methods before finally deciding on the
method you will use. Ask your teacher for advice if necessary.
• Write an outline of all the information you want in your presentation. Work with your group and
make sure the outline includes every step of protein synthesis. Your outline will serve as the basis
of your oral presentation.
• The success of your presentation may partly depend on what illustrations you include. They should
clearly illustrate the steps in the process, and they should be labeled to help the viewers understand
each step.
Project Timeline
Task
Due Date
1. Complete Project Worksheet 1
______________________
2. Complete DNA model
______________________
3. Complete Project Worksheet 2
______________________
4. Finish work on the presentation
______________________
5. Make presentation to the class
______________________
Name___________________________________Date_________________Class_________________
PROJECT WORKSHEET 1
Building a Model of DNA
As you think about building your model, you need to understand what DNA is and the structure of
DNA. Answer the following questions to help you understand the structure of the DNA molecule.
1. What is the relationship among chromosomes, DNA, and genes?
2. Describe the shape of a DNA molecule.
3. Why is the order of nitrogen bases along a gene important?
4. How do the nitrogen bases in DNA always pair up?
Your model can be made from various materials, but it should have different colors representing
different parts of DNA. Before building your model, complete the table below.
Basic Part of DNA
Description
Deoxyribose
5.
6.
A molecule that alternates with deoxyribose
molecules along the sides of a DNA double helix
Adenine
7.
8.
One of the nitrogen bases that make up the rungs
of DNA; represented by the capital letter T
Guanine
9.
10.
One of the nitrogen bases that make up the rungs
of DNA; represented by the capital letter C
Color in Model
Name___________________________________Date_________________Class_________________
PROJECT WORKSHEET 2
Understanding Protein Synthesis
In this Chapter Project, you will work with your group to develop a presentation on protein synthesis.
Your presentation should be clear, logical, and complete so that everyone watching will understand.
This worksheet will help you plan your presentation.
1. Describe the structure of a protein molecule.
2. What is protein synthesis?
3. What is RNA, and what is its role in protein synthesis?
4. What are the two types of RNA, and what are their functions in protein synthesis?
For each of the following sentences, fill in the blank with the correct term.
5. Protein synthesis begins in the cell’s , where the chromosomes are found.
6. After DNA unzips between its base pairs, one of the strands of DNA directs the production of a
strand of __________________________ .
7. In the production of a strand of mRNA, adenine pairs with__________, not thymine.
8. After a strand of mRNA is produced, the mRNA leaves the nucleus and enters the____________
9. The mRNA in the cytoplasm attaches to a cell organelle called a(n)__________.
10. Molecules of __________ and their amino acids attach to the mRNA.
11. The __________ of tRNA pair with bases of mRNA.
12. On the ribosome, ____________________are linked together and form a
growing chain.
13. The order of the amino acids on the ribosome is determined by the order of the three-base
codes on the__________.
14. Once an amino acid is added to the chain, the _______________ is released and picks up another
amino acid of the same kind.
Name___________________________________Date_________________Class_________________
SCORING RUBRIC
Proteins From a Double Helix
In evaluating how well you complete the Chapter Project, your teacher will judge your work in
four categories. In each, a score of 4 is the best rating.
4
Student
demonstrates a
mastery of DNA
structure and protein
synthesis.
3
Student demonstrates
a good understanding
of DNA structure and
protein synthesis.
Planning and
Building a
DNA Model
Student takes a lead
in planning and
building an
excellent model of a
DNA molecule.
Student participates
fully in planning and
building an excellent
model of a DNA
molecule.
Developing a
Presentation
Student develops a
presentation of
protein synthesis
that is clear,
logical, and
complete.
Making the
Presentation
Student makes a
thorough and wellorganized
presentation of
protein synthesis.
Understanding
of DNA
Structure and
Protein
Synthesis
2
Student
demonstrates an
understanding of
most concepts of
DNA structure and
protein synthesis.
Student
participates in
most aspects of
planning and
building a model
of a DNA
molecule.
1
Student demonstrates
little understanding
of DNA structure
and protein
synthesis.
Student develops a
presentation of
protein synthesis
that is reasonably
clear and complete.
Student develops
a presentation of
protein synthesis
that is fairly clear
and mostly
complete.
Student develops a
presentation of
protein synthesis
that is unclear
and/or
incomplete.
Student makes an
organized presentation
of protein synthesis.
Student makes an
adequate but not
well-organized
presentation of
protein synthesis.
Student gives an
incomplete and/or
disorganized
presentation of
protein synthesis.
Student minimally
participates in
planning and
building a model of
a DNA molecule.