Name: ________________________________________ Period: ______ Group #: ___
Protein Synthesis: Transcription and Translation
Making a Polypeptide Chain
Before you begin, review the concepts below with your class members and write a brief explanation
of how each is involved in the process of protein synthesis in the spaces provided below: (5 points)
1. DNA base pairing: _______________________________________________________________
2. Enzymes: ______________________________________________________________________
3. Amino acids: ___________________________________________________________________
4. Proteins: ______________________________________________________________________
5. Ribosomes: ____________________________________________________________________
Materials
 1- Original DNA molecule (teacher will provide)
 1- mRNA molecule
 9- tRNA molecules
 2 amino acid sheets
 Codon wheel & codon chart
 1- rRNA sheet
Procedure
1. Using the Original DNA molecule for your group as a template, fill in the complementary bases
for it on your mRNA molecule. Use your mRNA molecule’s codons to create your 9 tRNA
molecules’ anti-codons on the proper area of the tRNA molecules, I would number them on the
back to keep them in sequence.
2. Now using your codon wheel or codon table find the 9 amino acids that will be transferred by
the 9 tRNA molecules and write their abbreviations on the proper area of the tRNA molecules.
3. Cut out the nine amino acids you will need for your protein chain from the amino acid sheets.
4. You are now ready to begin documenting and practicing the protein synthesis process. The
biology textbook and your computer should be very helpful resources.
5. On the spaces provided on the next page you are to list the steps of the DNA protein synthesis
process. Do not forget to include DNAhelicase and RNApolymerase in your explanation (you
may need to use your on-line textbook or computer resources to ascertain what these enzymes
do). You will be provided with a copy the Prentice Hall Biology textbook to help you find this
information, pages 304-305 should be helpful. Be sure to number your steps…
6. Each group will present the protein synthesis process using the materials provided with the lab.
No notes may be using during the presentation and all members of the group must participate
in order to receive a grade. You also at presentation may receive 5 bonus points if you can name
two ways in which the body uses proteins.
Steps of protein synthesis:
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Conclusions and Analysis Questions
1. Complete the following chart:
DNA triplet
mRNA codon
tRNA anticodon
Amino acid
TAC
GTC
ACA
CTA
CGA
ATT
ACC
2. When you translate codons into amino acids, do you use the mRNA codon sequence or the
tRNA anticodon sequence? ___________________________
3. Describe three differences between DNA & RNA.
a. ________________________________________________________________________
b. ________________________________________________________________________
c. ________________________________________________________________________
4. Explain what mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA do during the processes of transcription and
translation below:
a. mRNA:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
b. rRNA:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
c. tRNA:
________________________________________________________________________
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5. What type of RNA moves out of the nucleus? _____________________________
6. Where do you find rRNA in the cell? _____________________________________________
7. What type of RNA has the anticodons on it? ______________________________
8. When amino acids link together into polypeptide chains and then get twisted into 3-D
shapes, what is being formed? _____________________________
PRESENTATION POINTS EARNED: ____________
BONUS POINTS: ________