TRANSCRIPTION AND TRANSLATION:
THE ROAD TO MAKING PROTEINS
Part 2: Translation (p 428)
Investigative Question:
How do we get a protein from mRNA?
TRANSLATION
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Carefully read the paragraph on p 428.
Study Figure 8.17 on p 431.
Look for details about translation.
Take notes in a new “Note Box”.
Make sure to add notes to your notebox as
we move through the simulation.
TRANSLATION
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BIG IDEAS
Translation takes the information on the mRNA
and uses it to make protein!
TRANSLATION
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PRACTICE
rRNA (which composes the ribosome) reads the
mRNA in TRIPLETS OF BASES.
These triplets of bases are called CODONS.
All of you now act as rRNA and divide your
mRNA into codons. Read the mRNA from left to
right!
TRANSLATION
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PRACTICE
tRNA (t = transfer) will deliver the appropriate
sequence of Amino Acids to make the protein.
tRNA “anticodons” complement the codons on
the mRNA.
Write out the tRNA anticodons below your
mRNA strand.
TRANSLATION
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PRACTICE
In your groups, each of you will act as tRNA molecules.
Go out into the cytoplasm of the cell, gathering the
necessary tRNAs.
Each tRNA carries with it a specific AMINO ACID. Turn
over your tRNA cards. The word written there represents
an amino acid.
Record your “amino acid” sequence.
You just made a sentence….if your sentence doesn’t make
sense then you made a mistake!
In real cells what does the sentence represent?
Record the sentences for each lab group.
TRANSLATION
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ROUND 1 RESULTS
DNA holds the code for all life.
A section of DNA is a gene.
Genes code for specific proteins.
Proteins are chains of amino acids.
Different proteins are made of different amino
acids sequences.
Proteins can be enzymes, hormones or carriers.
Proteins are cool; DNA is the boss.
TRANSLATION
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BIG IDEAS
Translation takes the information on the mRNA
and uses it to make protein!
mRNA is read in triplets of bases, called codons.
rRNA (r = ribosomal) composes the ribosome.
tRNA (t = transfer) has anticodons that
complement the codons on mRNA.
Each tRNA carries with it a specific amino acid.
The amino acids link together in a specific order
to make a protein.
THE COMPETITION!!
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For Round B, each group will have a new gene
to first transcribe and then translate.
Extra credit will be awarded to the members
of the lab group that win 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
places.
Remember to be careful or you’ll come up with
an incorrect sentence!!
Record the 7 sentences.
THE COMPETITION!!
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DNA is the “recipe box” for life
A single recipe card is a gene
Amino acids are like flour, sugar, and eggs
DNA is not the chef!!
A recipe box cannot make the cookies
A recipe card cannot make the cookies
Who is the chef?
REFLECT AND CONNECT Q’S
(for Rounds A and B)
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2.
You used the DNA code to put amino acids
together to make a protein. Where do
cells get their supply of amino acids?
We all know that DNA gives us our traits.
Use your new knowledge from this activity
to explain how DNA gives us our traits.
Use specific examples.