Protein Synthesis Unit Cover
(see page 12 for guidelines)
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Protein Synthesis Unit Front Page
At the end of this unit, I will:
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Know how to transcribe DNA to RNA and translate RNA to protein.
Be able to find the amino acids represented on a codon table.
Appreciate the fact that there can be some mutations in DNA that won’t
show up in protein, but some mutations will.
Know where in the cell the process of protein synthesis occurs.
Roots, Prefixes and Suffixes I will be able to understand when I see them in words are:
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Trans-, poly-, -ase, in-, ex-
The terms I can completely define are:
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RNA, messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA),
transcription, RNA polymerase, codon, intron, exon, translation
The assignments I will have completed by the end of this unit are:
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Protein Synthesis Unit Cover Page
Completed Notes on Protein Synthesis
Played Codon Bingo
With partners, complete the Transcription and Translation Mini Lab
Draw a Protein Synthesis Cartoon
Decode Messages in the Cellular Spy Activity
Complete the activity: DNA  RNA  Protein
Draw the Endomembrane System
Protein Synthesis Unit Backpage
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RNA
What is RNA?
How is RNA different from
RNA stands for _________________________ Acid.

DNA?
It contains a ______________ as the sugar in its sugarphosphate backbone.

RNA has a ________________ rather than Thymine as its base:

A bonds with _____, and C bonds with _____.
What are the three types of
1. _____________________ RNA (mRNA)
RNA?
2. ___________________ RNA (tRNA)
3. ______________________RNA (rRNA)
Protein Synthesis
What are the two steps to
protein synthesis?
1. _______________________: mRNA is made from a strand of
DNA
2. _______________________: Protein is made by a ribosome with
using ________ as the set of “instructions.”
How does Protein Synthesis
occur in Prokaryotic cells?
(Fill in the image to the left)
Protein Synthesis in Prokaryotes occurs in two steps:
1. Transcription: _________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
2. Translation: ___________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
How does Protein Synthesis
occur in Eukaryotic cells?
(Fill in the image to the left)
Protein Synthesis in Eukaryotes occurs in three steps:
1. Transcription: _________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
2. RNA Processing: Non-coding regions of mRNA, called _________
are removed from the pre-mRNA, while the coding region (or
_______________) leave the nucleus.
3. Translation: ___________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
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The Details of Protein Synthesis
What are the five steps to
1. ________________ unzips DNA at the gene of interest
Transcription?
2. ______ ____________________ matches RNA nucleotide bases
to DNA, using one side as a template.
3. The ___________ strand is created. It now compliments the
original DNA strand (G-___ and A-____).
4. ________________ helps the strand of DNA to close again.
5. mRNA strand moves out of nucleus to _____________________,
DNA zips up.
What are the key players

rRNA = RNA that makes up a ______________________.
involved in translation?

tRNA = RNA that _____________________ specific amino acids

mRNA = carries the ___________________; RNA transcribed
from DNA

__________________ = 3 nucleotides in a row on a strand of
mRNA that code for an amino acid

Anticodon = 3 nucleotides in _____________ that base pair with
the codon

Amino Acids = ____________________ of proteins
(20 in humans)
What are the four steps to
Translation?
1. ____________________ attach to the “start” codon of mRNA
(__ __ __), signaling the beginning of the protein chain
2. mRNA ______________ are matched to corresponding tRNA
___________________ and appropriate amino acids are strung
together.
3. Dehydration synthesis occurs between the _____________ acids,
and they join, making a protein chain with ________________
bonds in between.
4. Ribosomes detach when they come across a “__________” codon
(UAA, UAG, UGA). Protein synthesis is complete.
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Codons are three mRNA bases that code for an amino acid. Four codon combinations have been left
blank on this codon table. Fill them in with your classmates following your teacher’s instructions.
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CODON BINGO
Rules of the Game:
1. You choose where all twenty amino acids will be placed and write the amino acid names
on the bingo card.
2. As the names of DNA triplets are called, you transcribe the DNA into an mRNA codon
and then into its respective amino acid.
3. If the codon for an amino acid you have on their card is called, then place a marker on
the appropriate spot.
4. Once you have five markers placed across, down or diagonally, you win!
5. You will read back your amino acids, which has become a polypeptide of four or five
amino acids, while the teacher and class check for accuracy.
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Transcription and Translation Mini Lab
Purpose: In groups, you will be transcribing a strand of mRNA and translating a protein using
mRNA as your template. This is a protein sequence that your body actually makes.
Materials:
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Long strand of paper with DNA sequence
Long strand of blank paper (serving as mRNA)
Dry-erase marker
Ribosome (large piece of construction paper)
9 tRNAs with anticodons
9 amino acids (foam rectangles)
Amino Acid table (on page 46)
Procedure:
1. Lay the strand of DNA out on the table.
2. Lay the blank mRNA strand out on the table, and
transcribe the mRNA sequence from the DNA
template. Once the RNA sequence is complete,
you may roll the DNA back up. You do not need
the DNA from this point on.
AUG
3. Carefully insert the beginning of the sequence
(AUG, the start codon) into the ribosome.
4. One member of the group can act as the enzyme
that attaches the tRNA to the amino acid. This is
a tough job!
5. As you slide the mRNA through the ribosome, match the anticodons on the tRNA up
to the codons on the mRNA. You will be recruiting amino acids as well.
6. Be sure to bond each amino acid to the next. While we may be using toothpicks, the
polypeptide uses peptide bonds.
7. When each tRNA has transferred its amino acid, it may leave the ribosome complex (in
the cell, it would be recycled to pick up another amino acid)
8. When you are done, raise your hand to get your protein checked.
9. Once your teacher has checked your protein, you may begin making the threedimensional protein that you just translated. Your teacher will give you the string and
bead set to make this.
10. Carefully put all of the starting materials back in the back for the next class.
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Transcription and Translation Mini Lab
Congratulations! You just translated the protein, anti-diuretic hormone or vasopressin,
which helps you to conserve water in your body by preventing you from urinating all of
the time.
Once you have translated your protein, answer the following questions.
1. Fill in the amino acid sequence for the protein you translated below:
Met -_____-_____-_____-_____-_____-_____-_____-_____
2. Draw the three-dimensional structure of this protein according to your string and
bead model.
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Protein Synthesis Cartoon
In groups of three or four, you will make a six-step cartoon of protein synthesis on the
white-erase board provided. All of the bold terms must be labeled on your cartoon.
You may use analogies to represent the structures rather than the structure themselves.
Once it is approved by the teacher, copy the cartoon into the left-side of your IntNB.
Transcription must include:
1. Helicase unzipping DNA at the gene of interest
2. RNA polymerase matching RNA nucleotide bases to DNA, using one side as a
template.
3. The mRNA strand being created. It now compliments the original DNA strand (GC and A-U). Show complimentary base pairs.
4. Ligase helping the strand of DNA to close again.
5. mRNA strand moving out of nucleus to ribosomes, DNA zipping up.
Translation must include:
1. Ribosomes attaching to the “start” codon of mRNA (AUG), signaling the
beginning of the protein chain.
2. mRNA codons matching to corresponding tRNA anticodons and appropriate
amino acids being strung together.
3. Dehydration synthesis occuring between the amino acids, and they join, making
a protein chain with peptide bonds in between.
4. Ribosomes detach when they come across a “stop” codon (UAA, UAG, UGA).
Protein synthesis is complete.
Total points will be assessed in your IntNB next class period.
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15 points for correctly labeling key players in protein synthesis.
5 points for neatness and overall appearance (including 4 + colors)
5 points for creativity!
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CELLULAR SPY ACTIVITY
Section One: Answer the following questions
1. When mRNA takes the genetic information copied from DNA out of the nucleus and into the
cytoplasm of the cell it is called ______________________.
2. _______________________ converts the nucleotide sequence of the mRNA into a specific
sequence of amino acids to produce a specific protein.
3. Which of these nucleotide base pairs are correct?
a. Adenine-Guanine
b. Thymine-Cytosine
c. Thymine-Adenine
d. Guanine - Cytosine
e. Both c and d
4. The start codon ________ codes for the amino acid ____________________.
So far we have seen amino acids represented with their three-letter code. Occasionally, you will see
amino acids represented with a one-letter code (i.e., Alanine = Ala = A). Use the table on page 51 and
the amino acid table on the page 46, or the codon wheel on page 51, to decode the following sentences
by transcribing them into mRNA and finally translating them into their amino acid sequence.
1.
AAATGCGTATCA
UUU
F
2.
GCATTACGGTAAAGACCCTCTCTCCGGTGG
3.
CTATTGCGTTAGAGGGACTAAAAGCTT
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Now try to decode this secret sentence. It may be the most important thing you translate all year.
CTTCACGATTTGAATAAAGACGAGAGACCCGGATAAGT
AUG
M
GCATATCCCGTGTGA
1. This amino acid table, below, is a little
different from the one you’ve worked
with before. Follow the wheel from the
inside to the outside to find the codon
sequence and the amino acid.
2. Use the table on the right to get the
one-letter code for the amino acid.
One-letter code Three-letter-code
Name
1
A
Ala
Alanine
2
C
Cys
Cysteine
3
D
Asp
Aspartic Acid
4
E
Glu
Glutamic Acid
5
F
Phe
Phenylalanine
6
G
Gly
Glycine
7
H
His
Histidine
8
I
Ile
Isoleucine
9
K
Lys
Lysine
10
L
Leu
Leucine
11
M
Met
Methionine
12
N
Asn
Asparagine
13
P
Pro
Proline
14
Q
Gln
Glutamine
15
R
Arg
Arginine
16
S
Ser
Serine
17
T
Thr
Threonine
18
V
Val
Valine
19
W
Trp
Tryptophan
20
Y
Tyr
Tyrosine
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ACTIVITY: DNA
RNA
PROTEIN
PART I: TRANSCRIPTION, TRANSLATION AND MUTATIONS
The following is the base sequence on the sense strand of a DNA molecule:
DNA Sense Strand:
1.
A A T G C C A G T G G T T C G C A C
What is the base sequence of the complementary mRNA transcribed from the sense strand of
the DNA molecule?
New mRNA strand:
_________________________________________________
2.
Draw a line between the codons on the above mRNA molecule that you made from the sense
strand of DNA.
3.
Use the chart on page 46 or the wheel on page 51 to figure out the amino acid sequence that
would be synthesized from the mRNA molecule in number 1 above. Record your answers
below.
mRNA Codon
4.
Amino Acid
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
Strings of amino acids like the one synthesized in the table above make up what kind of
molecule?_____________________________
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5.
Add a guanine base (G) to the original DNA strand after the third base. What would the
resulting mRNA look like?
Original DNA Strand:
A A T ___ G C C A G T G G T T C G C A C
New mRNA strand: ____________________________________________________
6.
Draw a line between the codons of the mRNA strand in number 5 above.
7.
Using the chart on page 46 or the wheel on page 51 and the new mRNA strand above to fill in
the table below.
mRNA Codon
Amino Acid
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
Left over base?
8.
Did the addition of a G in number 5 above change the amino acid sequence? (Compare the
sequence of amino acids in the chart in number 3 with the sequence of amino acids in the chart
in number 7).________
This type of mutation is called an insertion.
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9.
Change the eighth base in the original DNA strand from G to C. What would the resulting mRNA
look like?
Original DNA Strand: A A T G C C A
G
T G G T T C G C A C
New mRNA strand: ____________________________________________________
10.
Draw a line between the codons of the new mRNA strand in question 9 above.
11.
Using the chart on page 46 or the wheel on page 51 and the new mRNA strand in number 9
above, fill in the chart below.
mRNA Codon
12.
Amino Acid
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
Did changing a G to a C in number 9 above change the sequence of amino acids? (Compare the
sequence of amino acids in the chart in number 3 with the sequence of amino acids in the chart
in number 11).________ Explain. _________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
This type of mutation is called a substitution.
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PART II: SICKLE CELL ANEMIA
After reading about sickle cell anemia, complete the task below to understand the genetic cause of this
disorder.
Sickle cell anemia is a worldwide health problem affecting many races, countries, and ethnic groups.
The World Health Organization estimates that each year more than 250,000 babies are born
worldwide with this inherited blood cell disorder, which causes red blood cells to elongate and clog
arteries. Chronic pain and life-threatening infections may result from the illness. About one in 400
African-American newborns in the United States have sickle cell anemia, but the disease is also
prevalent in many Spanish-speaking regions of the world such as South America, Cuba, Central
America, and among the Hispanic community in the United States. People in Mediterranean
countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Italy also have the illness. And many people, including one in
12 African-Americans, carry the sickle cell trait which means that they can pass the defect onto
offspring although their own health remains excellent.
The following sense strand of DNA is part of the gene to make hemoglobin (the red pigment in blood
cells that carries oxygen to body cells).
DNA sense strand for hemoglobin: C A C G T G G A C T G A G G A C T C C T C
1.
What is the base sequence of the mRNA strand transcribed from the above DNA molecule?
mRNA Strand: _______________________________________________
2.
Draw a line between the codons in the mRNA molecule in question 1.
3.
Using the chart on page 46 or the wheel on page 51 and the mRNA strand above, fill in the
following table.
mRNA Codon
Amino Acid
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
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4.
Change the 17th base in the DNA strand from T to A (is this an insertion or a substitution?).
What mRNA base would the new DNA base code for? __________
DNA sense strand for hemoglobin:
C A C G T G G A C T G A G G A C
New mRNA Strand:
T
C C T C
________________________________________________
5.
Draw a line between the codons of the mRNA strand in question 4 above.
6.
Using the chart on page 46 or the wheel on page 51 and the mRNA strand in number 4 above,
fill in the chart below.
mRNA Codon
7.
Amino Acid
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
What is the difference in the amino acid sequence in question number 3 and question number
6?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
NOTE: The amino acid sequence in number 3 codes for normal hemoglobin. The amino acid
sequence in number 6 codes for sickle cell hemoglobin. This single amino acid
substitution has some devastating consequences. The normally smooth, doughnutshaped red blood cells take on a sickle or curved shape. The sickle cells become stiff
and sticky and clog small blood vessels.
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PART III: CYSTIC FIBROSIS
The most common genetic disease in the United States is cystic fibrosis, which strikes 1 in
every 2500 Caucasians but is much rarer in other races. Cystic fibrosis causes excessive
secretions of mucus from the pancreas, lungs and cirrhosis of the liver, pneumonia and
other infections. Untreated, most children with cystic fibrosis die by the time they are four
or five years old. Currently, however, treatment has prolonged their life expectancy into
their 40's.
The following is the base sequence on the sense strand of the DNA molecule that codes for part of the
gene that directs the cell to produce normal amounts of mucus secretions.
DNA sense strand for normal mucus: T A G T A G A A A C C A C A A A G G A T A
1.
Give the base sequence of the mRNA strand transcribed from the above DNA molecule.
mRNA Strand: _________________________________________________
2.
Draw a line between the codons in the mRNA molecule in question 1.
3.
Using the chart on page 46 or the wheel on page 51 and the mRNA strand in number 1 above,
fill in the following table.
mRNA Codon
Amino Acid
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
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4.
Delete the 7th, 8th, and 9th base in the DNA sense strand. What mRNA molecule would the new
DNA code for?
DNA sense strand for normal mucus: T A G T A G
A A A
C C A C A A A G G A T A
New strand: T A G T A G C C A C A A A G G A T A
New mRNA Strand:
_________________________________________________
5.
Draw a line between the codons of the mRNA strand in question 4 above.
6.
Using the chart on page 4 of your RNA and Protein Synthesis Notes and the new mRNA strand
above, fill in the table below.
mRNA Codon
7.
Amino Acid
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
What is the difference in the amino acid sequence in number 3 and number 6 above?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
NOTE: The amino acid sequence in number 3 codes for normal mucus secretions. The amino
acid sequence in number 6 codes for the excessive mucus secretions typical of cystic
fibrosis.
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Discussion Question
1. Based upon the information in this activity, explain why it is necessary for the mRNA transcript
of the DNA sense strand to be perfect (no mistakes).
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
2. Between the three types of mutations: insertion, substitution, and deletion, which type of
mutation do you think would have the biggest impact on the organism? Explain your answer.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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Endomembrane System Drawing
For this assignment, you will be asked to create a drawing that shows the relationship between different
parts of the endomembrane system.
On page 60, you will need to show the following:
Nucleolus making ribosomes
Ribosomes being shipped out of
nucleus, through the nuclear pore to
become either attached or free
Protein being made by attached ribosomes
of Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
Proteins being made by free
ribosomes in the cytoplasm
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Protein folding inside the RER
Protein being modified by the Golgi
Vesicles moving from RER to Golgi
Vesicles leaving the Golgi and fusing to the cell membrane, releasing protein contents
Vesicles leaving the Golgi and becoming a lysosome
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A blown-up view of the cell membrane (with phospholipids and proteins) must also be
included.
Be sure to label in your drawing:
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Nucleus
Nuclear Pore
Nucleolus
Free Ribosome
Attached Ribosome
Rough ER
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Vesicles
Protein
Lysosome
Cell Membrane
Phospholipid
Your drawing should be neat, colored (in four or more colors), and in final draft form.
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Protein Synthesis Unit Student Concept Map
(see guidelines on page 10)
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Protein Synthesis Unit Back Page
The California State Standards I have come to use and
understand are:
(Please check all that you do feel you used and understood this unit)
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The general structures and functions of DNA, RNA, and protein.
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Know the general pathway by which ribosomes synthesize proteins, using
tRNAs to translate genetic information in mRNA.
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The central dogma of molecular biology outlines the flow of information from
transcription of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the nucleus to translation of proteins
on ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
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How to apply the genetic coding rules to predict the sequence of amino
acids from a sequence of codons in an encoded protein.
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How proteins can differ from one another in the number and sequence of
amino acids.
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Why proteins having different amino acid sequences typically have different
shapes and chemical properties.
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