DNA RNA Protein Trait
A chain of amino acids make a protein
Proteins cause traits.
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 ten genes on it. The DNA sequence on these genes provides the code for the
physical traits also called the Trait of the Snork. Your job is to analyze your Snorks DNA to
determine its traits. Complete the attached Snork Characteristics sheet to show your analysis of
your Snorks DNA.
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. In addition, the Snork Institute of Genetics (SIG) has provided the Snork DNA to Trait
Chart below to help you determine your Snorks Trait.
Snork DNA to Trait
Gene
Gene 1 - Body Covering
Gene 2 – Body Style
Gene 3 – Leg Size
Gene 4 – Head Shape
Gene 5 – Tail
Gene 6 – Body Color
Gene 7 – Eye size
Gene 8 – Mouth Shape
Gene 9 – Ear Shape
Gene 10 – Eyebrow Shape
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
ser – pro – val
val – phe – tyr
asp – iso – leu – leu – pro – thr
asp – iso – pro – pro – pro – thr
val – asp – asp – ala
asp – asp – asp – ala
phe – ser – gly
phe – phe – gly
arg – tyr – cys – lys
arg – arg – asp – thr
Trait Description
Hairless body
Hairy body
Plump body
Skinny body
Tall legs
Short legs
Round head
Square head
Tail
No tail
Blue Body
Red Body
Small eyes
Large eyes
Circular mouth
Rectangular mouth
Pointed ears
Round ears
One Bushy Eyebrow
Two thin eyebrows
*CLASS SET*
106742060 2/13/2016