Central Dogma Computer Activities
Name_____________________________ Per___
Grab a computer and let’s get started!
Site 1: “DNA The Double Helix” Game
Go to http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/medicine/dna_double_helix/dnahelix.html
Read each statement as it pops up and click “Next” to play the game.
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The shape of DNA is generally described as a _____________ ______________.
The “rungs” (the middle part) of DNA is made out of _____________________________________________,
represented by the letters ___, ___, ___, and ___. ___ always pairs with ___ and ___ always pairs with ___.
THE GAME:
When you are ready and you know the base-pairing rules of DNA, click the Organism 1 to start. Match the
base pairs up as best you can (you need to be quick) until there are no more to match up! Then, you’ll
compare your organism 1 DNA to see which organism it is.
Choose which partner will start first to match up Organism 1’s DNA (you’ll both get to do this, so don’t worry).
Be sure you BOTH write all the data on your sheets!
 Did you create any mutations in Organism 1’s DNA…yes or no?_______ If yes, how many? ______
 Find out which organism it is and write in the name for Organism 1 here: __________________________
 How many chromosomes does this organism have? ____
 How many base pairs (in millions)? _____________
 How many genes? ______________
Next, let the other partner try Organism 2. Be sure you write down their data here!
 Did you create any mutations in Organism 2’s DNA…yes or no?_______ If yes, how many? ______
 Find out which organism it is and write in the name for Organism 2 here: __________________________
 How many chromosomes does this organism have? ____
 How many base pairs (in millions)? _____________
 How many genes? ______________
Next decide which partner will do Organism 3. Be sure you write down their data here!
 Did you create any mutations in Organism 3’s DNA…yes or no?_______ If yes, how many? ______
 Find out which organism it is and write in the name for Organism 3 here: __________________________
 How many chromosomes does this organism have? ____
 How many base pairs (in millions)? _____________
 How many genes? ______________
Site 2: Transcribe and Translate a Gene
Go to http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/dna/transcribe/ and click to begin.
TRANSCRIPTION: Use the keyboard to type in the appropriate nucleotide base to make an mRNA strand.
TRANSLATION: After you make the mRNA strand, you will need to translate it to make a protein. First, you
must find the start codon (a codon is a group of 3 nucleotide letters). The start codon is “AUG,” so when you
find it, click on it.
Then, use the chart on the right to look up AUG. When you find which amino acid it codes for, click on it and
drag it into the flashing box.
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What are the three codons that translate to mean “Stop?” ________, ________, and ________
Be sure both you and your partner get a chance to do this, so click “Do it again” and give it another try!