HAPPY MONDAY 
Bellwork:
• Number a piece of paper 1 – 20.
• Title it Cell Cycle and Central Dogma Quiz.
• Study the Cell Cycle and Central Dogma.
• On Bellwork sheet write “Study for Quiz”.
Transcription and Translation in
plain English
Transcription and
Translation Cell View
Remember our analogy from yesterday….
DNA = master copy of building plans
RNA= blueprint for one room of building
Protein= actual bricks that make up the building
Nucleus = boss’ office
Ribosome = assembly line (where the bricks are
laid and a wall is built)
• The decoding of an
mRNA message
into a polypeptide
chain is known as
translation.
• Proteins are
assembled on a
ribosome
– OUTSIDE of the
nucleus (in the
cytoplasm)
Steps of Translation (Overview)
1. mRNA travels to the ribosome
2. Transfer RNA (tRNA) brings the right amino
acid to the ribosome
3. A polypeptide (protein) is formed
How does tRNA “know” what
amino acid to bring?
The genetic code (mRNA) is read
three bases at a time.
Each three-letter “word” is known
as a codon.
tRNA “looks” for the codon that
pairs with its 3 nucleotide
sequence (called an anticodon).
When it connects the ribosome
attaches the amino acid that
tRNA was carrying to the
polypeptide chain
ORDER MATTERS!
Order of DNA bases  order of RNA bases 
order of amino acids  what protein is made
tRNA
Amino
acid
mRNA
How to use the Codon Chart:
1. Use the left side to find
the first letter in the
codon
2. Use the top to find the
second letter in the
codon
3. Use the right side to find
the third letter of the
codon
4. Go to where ALL three
overlap on the chart
How to use the Codon Wheel:
1. Begin in the middle
with the first letter of
the codon
2. Go outward to the
second letter in the
codon
3. Go outward again to
the third letter in the
codon.
Did you notice?: The codon “AUG” can specify methionine
or serve as the “start” codon for protein synthesis.
What codon will tell the ribosome to quit putting
amino acids together? What letters code for this?
Codon Bingo!
Directions For Playing:
If a codon (example: AAG) is called
out, you must find the amino acid.
If an amino acid (example: serine) is
called out, you must find the codon.
Hint! When finding a codon, there
may be more than one answer…you
can count all possible answers on
your card!