NAME _________________
LAB # _________
Date __________
Protein synthesis lab –
Background: Each of your cells holds genetic information that “codes for” traits. This information is your
DNA. But how does your DNA make a trait? Well your DNA holds a special code, which is the sequence of
its bases. Using that sequence of bases as a template your cell makes mRNA, which is a messenger molecule.
The mRNA travels out of the nucleus so that it can be “read” by the ribosome. As the ribosome “reads” the
message it connects amino acids together to make a protein. In this lab you will be making a protein.
Procedure:
1. Take 6 paper clips of each color. (There should be four different colors…each representing a nitrogenous
base of RNA)
2. Arrange these 24 paper clips into a long random chain.
3. Cut the ribosome template ONLY ON THE DOTTED LINES on the attached sheet and feed your chain
through.
4. Using the decoder chart; read each codon (section of three nitrogenous bases or paperclips) and attach the
appropriate color Popsicle stick.
5. Hold your first popsicle stick upright and attach the next amino acid to the bottom of the first…turn your
popsicle protein so that the bottom stick is always vertical. Yellow, blue, and green sticks always attach to
the right, while purple, red, and orange always attach to the left.
Data:
1. Write the color sequence of your paper clip chain.
2. Draw and color your Popsicle “protein”.
Analysis Questions:
1. Using the chart below, translate your paper clip chain into RNA.
Color
Red
Blue
Green
Yellow
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Base
Adenine
Uracil
Guanine
Cytocine
-----
A
U
G
C
What would the original DNA strand have looked like (Use the real bases NOT the colors).
Why is the shape of your protein different then your partners'?
What would happen if one of the DNA bases were changed?
What would happen if one of the RNA messenger bases were changed?
What would happen if one of the amino acids (Popsicle sticks) were changed?
Why is protein shape important?
Conclusion: Why is DNA important in your cells? What do we mean when we say that DNA codes for traits?
What happens if you change a piece of the DNA/RNA/ or amino acid?
DATA SHEET
LABEL YOUR DRAWING – (Ribosome and codon)
Write the sequence of colors in your RNA strand:
Draw and color your protein: