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Protein Synthesis Unit Cover Page
(see guidelines on page 21)
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Protein Synthesis Unit Front Page
At the end of this unit, I will:
 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:
 Trans-, poly-, -ase, in-, exThe terms I can completely define are:
 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:
 Protein Synthesis Cover Page (page 311)
 Organic Compounds (page 313)
 DNA & RNA Molecules Coloring and Reading (pages 314-315)
 Protein Synthesis Notes (pages 316-319)
 Enzyme Practice (page 320)
 Protein Notes (pages 321-323)
 The Genetic Code Coloring and Reading (pages 324-325)
 Codon BINGO (page 327)
 Protein Synthesis Coloring and Reading (pages 328-329)
 Transcription and Translation Mini Lab (pages 330-331)
 Protein Synthesis Cartoon (pages 332-333)
 Cellular Spy Activity (pages 334-335)
 Common Core Warm Up (page 336)
 Activity: DNA to RNA to Protein (pages 337-343)
 Protein Folding Activity (pages 344-347)
 Endomembrane Drawing (pages 348-349)
 Protein Synthesis Unit Study Guide (pages 350-353)
 Protein Synthesis Unit Concept Cards (page 358)
 Protein Synthesis Concept Map (page 361)
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Organic Compounds
What elements make up Proteins? _____, _____, _____, _____ and
sometimes _____
1.
________________________________________
2.
________________________________________
3.
________________________________________
4.
________________________________________
5.
________________________________________
6.
________________________________________
7.
________________________________________
Proteins
What are the types of Proteins?
Lipids
Proteins
Carbohydrates Nucleic Acids
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DNA & RNA Molecules Coloring
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The Molecular Basis of Life: DNA & RNA Molecules
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Protein Synthesis Notes
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Protein Synthesis Notes
RNA:
What is RNA?
RNA stands for ________________________________________ acid.
It contains a _______________________________ as the sugar in its sugar-
How is RNA different
from DNA?
phosphate backbone.
RNA has a ____________________________ rather than Thymine as its base:
A bonds with _________, and C bonds with _________.
1. ______________________________ RNA (mRNA)
What are the three
types of RNA?
2. _______________________________ RNA (tRNA)
3. ________________________________RNA (rRNA)
Protein Synthesis:
______________________________________: mRNA is made from a strand of DNA
What are the two steps
to protein synthesis?
______________________________________: Protein is made by a ribosome with
using ___________ as the set of “instructions.”
Protein Synthesis in Prokaryotes occurs in two steps:
How does Protein
Synthesis occur in
Prokaryotic cells?
(Label the image to the
left)
1. Transcription: _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. Translation: _____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Protein Synthesis in Eukaryotes occurs in three steps:
1. Transcription: __________________________________________________________
How does Protein
Synthesis occur in
Eukaryotic cells?
(Label the image to the
left)
___________________________________________________________________________
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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Protein Synthesis Notes
What if a single base is changed?
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Protein Synthesis Notes
1. _______________________does NOT unzip DNA at the gene of interest
2. ______________ ______________________ unzips and matches RNA
nucleotide bases to DNA, using one side as a template.
3. The _______________ strand is created. It now compliments the
What are the five
steps to
Transcription?
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 involved in
translation?

rRNA = RNA that makes up a ____________________________.

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)
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.
What are the four
steps to Translation?
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.
What if a single base
is changed?
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Enzyme Practice
1. Label the diagram:
2. Answer true or false to the following statements:
a. _______ Enzymes interact with specific substrates
b. _______ Enzymes change shape after a reaction occurs
c. _______ Enzymes speed up reactions.
d. _______ One enzyme can be used for many different types of chemical reactions.
e. _______ Enzyme reactions can be slowed or halted using inhibitors.
3. Circle the correct effect.
a. Raising the temperature slightly will [ increase | decrease | not change ] the rate of reaction
b. Boiling temperature will [ increase | decrease | not change ] the rate of reaction.
c. Changing the pH toward the optimal pH will [ increase | decrease | not change ] the rate of
reaction.
d. Introducing a competitive inhibitor will [ increase | decrease | not change ] the rate of
reaction.
4. Place a check mark next to the things that are expected to INCREASE the rate of an enzymatic reaction
a. _______
b. _______
c. _______
d._______
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Add more enzyme
Add more substrate
Adjust pH to optimal level
Freezing
Protein Notes
Made up of C______________, H_________________, O__________________ and
What are proteins?
N______________________ (and some Sulfur)
Proteins are responsible for many chemical reactions
1. ______________________ = ________________________ that ______________
_______ the rate of a chemical _______________________
________________ up or ______________ _______________ substrate
Fit together like a “______________” and a “___________”
________________ ______________ _________ in the reaction
Work in a very specific ______________________ ____________________
Usually end with “-_______________”
2. _______________ Proteins
Provides __________________ _________________ to cells and tissues
3. ________________________ Proteins
Name and describe the
seven types of proteins.
________________________ small _____________ or ________________________
4. ______________________Proteins
Enables structures to ___________________
5.
_________________________ (signaling proteins)
Carries _______________________ from cell-to-cell
e.g., ____________________
6. ___________________________
_____________________________ small molecules or ions
e.g., ____________________ is stored in the _______________ in ferritin
7. Other specialized functions
_________________________ (immune system antibodies)
___________________________ proteins (in eyes and muscles to
detect stimulus)
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Protein Notes
H2O
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Protein Notes
Proteins’ _______________ are called amino acids
_____________________ bond: a bond between 2 ________________ Acids:
What are the monomers of
proteins?
A chain of amino acids are called _______________________________ “Many Peptides”
Polypeptides ____________________ and ____________________to form a specific
___________________
______________ or more polypeptides form a complete _____________________
These shapes allow proteins to function
Summarize the Endomembrane System
___________________ ribosomes: They make proteins that are either:
How do proteins created by
the “free” ribosomes differ in
final destination from the
proteins created by the
“attached” ribosomes of the
ER?
1) ____________________________________________________
2) ____________________________________________________
3) ________________ ___________________ in a membrane to function as another
organelle, such as a _______________________.
___________________ ribosomes: They make proteins that stay within the
___________________________. The cell uses these proteins itself.
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The Genetic Code:
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The Genetic Code:
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Codon Table:
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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Protein Synthesis
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Protein Synthesis Reading:
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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:
 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. 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.
1. Fill in the amino acid sequence for the protein you translated below:
Met -_________-_________-_________-_________-_________-_________-_________-_________
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Protein Synthesis Cartoon
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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 dry-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. RNA polymerase unzipping and matching RNA nucleotide bases to DNA, using one side as a
template.
2. The mRNA strand being created. It now compliments the original DNA strand (G-C and AU). Show complimentary base pairs.
3. Ligase helping the strand of DNA to close again.
4. 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.
The assignment will be graded as follows:
 15 points for correctly labeling key players in protein synthesis.
 5 points for neatness and overall appearance (including 4 + colors)
 5 points for creativity!
P a g e | 333
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 ____________________.
Section Two: Decoding
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 one of the amino acid
tables in your notes or the wheel on the next page to decode the following sentences by
transcribing them into mRNA and finally translating them into their amino acid sequence.
1.
AAATGCGTATCA
2.
GCATTACGGTAAAGACCCTCTCTCCGGTGG
3.
CTATTGCGTTAGAGGGACTAAAAGCTT
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CELLULAR SPY ACTIVITY
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.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
One-letter code
A
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
K
L
M
N
P
Q
R
S
T
V
W
Y
Three-letter-code
Ala
Cys
Asp
Glu
Phe
Gly
His
Ile
Lys
Leu
Met
Asn
Pro
Gln
Arg
Ser
Thr
Val
Trp
Tyr
Name
Alanine
Cysteine
Aspartic Acid
Glutamic Acid
Phenylalanine
Glycine
Histidine
Isoleucine
Lysine
Leucine
Methionine
Asparagine
Proline
Glutamine
Arginine
Serine
Threonine
Valine
Tryptophan
Tyrosine
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Common-Core Warm-up:
The above graph shows that a body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimal
temperature for life-sustaining biochemical reactions in your body.
1. Using your knowledge of enzymes, explain why temperatures below and above 98.6 degrees
would cause a medical emergency. (Hint: Consider your knowledge of random motion of molecules
as well as the conditions that help maintain the structural integrity of proteins.)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Why would your body develop a “fever” to fight off bacterial or viral infections if it can
potentially cause medical emergencies?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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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:
A A T G C C A G T G G T T C G C A C
1. 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 a codon table figure out the amino acid sequence that would be synthesized from the
mRNA molecule in number one above. Record your answers below.
mRNA Codon
Amino Acid
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
4. Strings of amino acids like the one synthesized in the table above make up what kind of
molecule?_____________________________
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Activity: DNA  RNA  Protein
5. Below, 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. Use a codon table 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.
338 | P a g e
Activity: DNA  RNA  Protein
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 or the wheel and the new mRNA strand in question number 9, fill in the
chart below.
mRNA Codon
Amino Acid
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
12. 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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Activity: DNA  RNA  Protein
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 lifethreatening 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 a codon table and the mRNA strand above, fill in the following table.
mRNA Codon
340 | P a g e
Amino Acid
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
Activity: DNA  RNA  Protein
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? (T pairs with…?) _______________
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 a codon table and the mRNA strand in number 4 above, fill in the chart below.
mRNA Codon
Amino Acid
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
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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Activity: DNA  RNA  Protein
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 a codon table and the mRNA strand in number 1 above, fill in the following table.
mRNA Codon
342 | P a g e
Amino Acid
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
Activity: DNA  RNA  Protein
4. If we 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 AC
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 a codon table and the new mRNA strand above, fill in the table below.
mRNA Codon
Amino Acid
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7. 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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Protein Folding Activity
Amino Acid Properties
Hydrophobic Amino Acids
Alanine, Ala, A
Isoleucine, Ile, I
Phenylalanine, Phe, F
Leucine, Leu, L
Tryptophan, Trp, W
Valine, Val, V
Tyrosine, Tyr, Y
Neutral Amino Acids
Asparagine, Asn, N
Cysteine, Cys, C
Glutamine, Gln, Q
Methionine, Met, M
Serine, Ser, S
Threonine, Thr, T
Positively Charged Amino Acids
Aspartic acid, Asp, D
Glutamic acid, Glu, E
Negatively Charged Amino Acids
Arginine, Arg, R
344 | P a g e
Histidine, His, H
Lysine, Lys, K
Protein Folding Activity
Below is the code for a DNA sense strand. Transcribe the DNA sense strand to mRNA.
ACC-AAG–CGG–TAG–GAC-CAG–ATA–CTA–GTT–CTG–CTG–GTC–GTC–CTA-TCC-GTG-TTC-TTT-GTATCT-TCC-GTC–CGG–TAG–GAC-CAG–ATA- ACC-AAG– GTC -CTA–GTT–CTG–CTG-TTT-GTA-TCT-TCC
Once your mRNA has been transcribed, decode the mRNA using any one of your amino acid tables,
then come up with your amino acid sequence below the circles. Then, using the amino acid
properties given to you on the left-page, mark the circles with the properties: HP for hydrophobic,
Nothing for neutral, + for positively charged, and – for negatively charged.
Trp
HP
In your class, you will take on one of the identities of the above amino acids, and simulate protein
folding, per teacher’s instruction.
P a g e | 345
Protein Folding Activity
Draw the configuration of your protein in the space below, based on the amino acid properties.
If there was a mutation at amino acid number 25, where the DNA strand changed from GAC to GTC,
how would that change the property of amino acid 25?
Draw the new configuration of your protein in the space below, based on the amino acid properties.
346 | P a g e
Protein Folding Activity
Discussion Questions
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.
3. Based on what you learned about protein denaturation, explain why certain enzymes
cannot function at high temperatures.
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Endomembrane System Drawing
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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 the previous page, 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
Proteins being made by free
ribosomes in the cytoplasm
Protein being made by attached
ribosomes of Rough Endoplasmic
Reticulum





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

A blown-up view of the cell membrane (with phospholipids and proteins) must
also be included.
Be sure to label in your drawing:






Nucleus
Nuclear Pore
Nucleolus
Free Ribosome
Attached Ribosome
Rough ER





Vesicles
Protein
Lysosome
Cell Membrane
Phospholipid
Your drawing should be neat, colored (in four or more colors), and in final draft form.
P a g e | 349
Protein Synthesis Unit Study Guide
1.
What do the letters RNA stand for? ______________________________________________________
2.
What is the RNA molecule used to produce? __________________
3.
_________________ _________________ is the use of DNA to make proteins. It occurs in 2 stages:
_________________________________________ & _________________________________________
4.
What happens during transcription?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
5.
What happens during translation?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
6.
Transcription and translation can bring about the production of a protein like insulin.
What does insulin do?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.
Why must the genetic information on DNA be copied or transferred to RNA?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
8.
What are the working copies of genes that can leave the nucleus made of?
_________________________________________
9.
RNA is chemically similar to DNA except that:
a)
its sugars are __________________________________________.
b)
the base thymine is replaced by _______________.
10.
How many different forms of RNA are there? ___________
11.
What does RNA polymerase do as it moves along a strand of DNA nucleotides?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
12.
Adenine on the DNA strand pairs with ______________ on the RNA strand.
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Protein Synthesis Unit Study Guide
13.
Circle the word or phrase in parentheses that best completes each sentence.
a)
A ( single / double ) strand of RNA is transcribed from a ( single / double )
strand of a DNA double helix.
b)
( RNA polymerase / DNA polymerase ) pairs nucleotide bases along a strand of
DNA with their complementary RNA bases to build messenger RNA.
c)
DNA ( stays in / leaves ) the nucleus, while mRNA ( stays in / leaves ) the
nucleus.
14.
What is a codon?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
15.
On which type of RNA are the codons found? ________________________
16.
What is determined by the order of amino acids in a protein chain?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
17.
Explain what the genetic code is.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
18.
Since there are __________ possible codons and only _____________ amino acids, more than
one codon may specify a particular ______________ _______________.
Why is the genetic code said to be universal?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
19.
Where does the messenger RNA go after transcription? _______________________________
20.
How many types of RNA are involved during the process of translation? ________
21.
What organelles are the location or site of translation? __________________
22.
What does rRNA stand for and what does it do?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
What does tRNA stand for and what does it do?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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23.
What is an anticodon?
________________________________________________________________________________________
24.
The anticodon is found on ( DNA / mRNA / tRNA / rRNA ).
25.
How is an anticodon like the address on an envelope?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
26.
What is responsible for ending the translation or production of a protein?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
27.
Place the following statements in the correct sequence.
____
a.
tRNA carries amino acids to the small ribosomal subunit, matching the tRNA
anticodon with an mRNA codon.
____
b.
A “stop” codon on mRNA is encountered. The ribosomal unit falls apart and
the protein is released.
1
c.
mRNA leaves the nucleus and travels to the cytoplasm.
____
d.
The small ribosomal subunit attaches to the large subunit.
____
e.
Amino acids are added to a growing string as the code is read.
____
f.
A “start” codon on an mRNA strand binds to a complementary rRNA on
small ribosomal subunit.
28.
The internal transport system of a cell consists of a system of membranes called the
29.
Draw a flowchart below that shows the path that proteins take as they are being made,
modified, and packaged.
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30.
What happens to proteins that are made by the ribosomes on the rough ER?
31.
What organelle makes the ribosomes that attaches to the rough ER?
32.
Label the following:
33.
Convert the following DNA strand into mRNA.
TACCCCGATGCTAATCAGGACTCC
34.
Using an amino acid table, write out the sequence of amino acids for the mRNA strand
you created above.
35.
What are the possible anticodons on a tRNA molecule carrying Lysine?
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36.
Label the structure below using the following terms:
Enzyme, active site, products, substrate
37.
The image below compares a functional and denatured enzyme. What is the function of
enzymes and why is the denatured enzyme no longer functional? Write your answer
using complete, well-thought out sentences!
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Protein Synthesis Unit Study Guide
38.
Using the graph above, explain how enzymes work. Compare the two curves, explaining
which is with the enzyme.
39.
How does the sequence (order) of amino acids in the polypeptide chain affect the shape
of the final protein? Use the following terms in your explanation: fold, function,
hydrophobic, charge
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40.
The graphs above show the reaction rate and percent maximum activity for the same
enzyme. What would be the idea temperature and pH for the enzyme above? Would this
enzyme be active in humans? Use the graphs above to explain your answers.
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41.
List and describe the seven types of proteins. In the last column, include a drawing or
key word that helps you remember the function of each protein type.
Protein Type
Function
Drawing/Key Word
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Protein Synthesis Unit Concept Cards
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Parent/Significant Adult Review Page
Student Portion
Unit Summary (write a summary of the past unit using 5-7 sentences):
Explain your favorite assignment in this unit:
Adult Portion
Dear Parent/ Significant Adult:
This Interactive Notebook represents your student’s learning to date and should contain the work
your student has completed. Please take some time to look at the unit your student just
completed, read his/ her reflection and respond to the following
Please write down 3 facts that your student has shared with you that they learned during this unit:
What assignment was the most effective at helping your student learn the content of this unit:
Parent/ Significant Adult Signature:
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-- Intentionally Left Blank--
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Protein Synthesis Unit Student Concept Map
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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)
 The general structures and functions of DNA, RNA, and protein.
 Know the general pathway by which ribosomes synthesize proteins,
using tRNAs to translate genetic information in mRNA.
 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.
 How to apply the genetic coding rules to predict the sequence of amino acids from a
sequence of codons in an encoded protein.
 How proteins can differ from one another in the number and sequence of amino acids.
 Why proteins having different amino acid sequences typically have different shapes and
chemical properties.
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