Name:
Period:
Transcription/Translation Web Worksheet
The primary function of DNA is to provide a blueprint for protein construction in our
bodies. Yet, the process of protein construction is a little more complex, because DNA
needs to be made into RNA in order for the proteins to be assembled properly. The
purpose of this worksheet is to provide you with a visual representation showing the
processes of turning DNA into RNA (transcription) and RNA into the proteins
(translation) our bodies depend on.
Instructions:
Click on the following link: http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/basics/transcribe/
You will be directed to the Genetic Science Learning Center’s page on transcription
and translation. Read the text that appears under the title Transcribe and Translate a
Gene and answer the following questions.
 What is the function of a gene?
 Using the information you already know about DNA, what is the difference
between DNA and a gene?
Now read the column on the right hand of the screen entitled transcription and
translation. Answer the following questions.
 How is DNA used in the process of transcription?
 What is the final product of transcription?
.
 What is the name of the different nucleotide used in the final product of
transcription?
.
 What function do ribosomes play in translation?
 What is the start signal?
.
 How many nucleotides do the ribosomes “read” at a time?
.
 What is the term given for a group of three nucleotides?
.
 Name the three “stop” codons.
.
.
.
Now it is time to familiarize yourself with the Universal Genetic Code. Click on the
Universal Genetic Code icon. This will bring up a larger version of the same chart. This
chart shows every possible combination of codons and the specific amino acid it codes
for. Answer the following questions.
 What amino acid does the codon CAG code for?
.
 What amino acid does the codon UGC code for?
.
 What amino acid does the codon AAU code for?
.
You will now be ready to see the process of transcription and translation in an
interactive way. To continue, click on the button entitled “click here to begin!” An
animation of a DNA strand will appear, read the text below the animation and type in the
corresponding mRNA sequence. Give the sequence of your RNA strand in the following
space provided:
.
Once you have made an RNA strand, read the new text under the animation and find
the start codon in your RNA strand. Make sure you use your mouse to place the green
box on the start codon. When you have located the start sequence, click on the start
codon to continue.
Read the new text under the animation and use the Genetic Code chart to the right to
construct a protein. Give the amino acid sequence of your constructed protein in the
following space provided: _________________________________________________.
After completing your protein, click the “Do it again!” button. You will be directed to
the beginning of the animation, so click on the button entitled “click here to begin!”—DO
THE EXERCISE OVER!
In your own words, explain the process of transcription and translation (Hint: make
sure you include the following words: nucleus, DNA, mRNA, Uracil, cytoplasm,
ribosome, start sequence, codon, amino acid, stop sequence(s), and protein).