TRANSCRIPTION AND TRANSLATION:
THE ROAD TO MAKING PROTEINS
Part 1: Transcription (p 424)
Investigative Question:
What is RNA? What is Transcription?
TRANSCRIPTION AND TRANSLATION:
The Road to Making Proteins
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The classroom is set up to represent a CELL
The DNA is located in the NUCLEUS.
The NUCLEAR membrane allows passage in
and out of the nucleus.
The walls of the room represent the CELL
MEMBRANE
The lab stations represent RIBOSOMES
TRANSCRIPTION
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Carefully read “Making RNA” (p 425). Be
sure to look at Figure 8.16.
Look for details about RNA and
transcription.
Take notes in a “Note Box”.
TRANSCRIPTION
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BIG IDEAS
Transcription occurs in the nucleus.
Transcription “copies” the code from a section of
DNA (a section of DNA = a gene!).
mRNA is produced during transcription. (m = messenger)
RNA polymerase is the enzyme that controls
transcription.
mRNA leaves the nucleus, carrying the information
from the DNA.
Structurally, RNA differs in 3 ways from DNA.
Sugar is Ribose
 Thymine replaced by Uracil
 Single stranded
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TRANSCRIPTION
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Follow along as we model the process of
transcription. Make sure to record what we
do as directed.
TRANSCRIPTION
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PRACTICE
From your lab group, select 1 person to act as RNA
polymerase. (they will do the actual transcription
and proofreading of the new mRNA)
The RNA polymerase person from each group must
go into the nucleus, find their gene, and transcribe
it. The newly made mRNA now travels to the
ribosome.
Each person in the lab group must now copy the
mRNA into their lab notebook. (Leave room above)
Go backwards and record the original DNA strand
above your mRNA.