Performance Assessment on Replication, Transcription, and Translation

Overview The ability to explain and model complex biological processes is fundamental to cellular and molecular biology. Particularly important to genetics is the processes of replication, transcription, and translation. In this performance assessment students will model the steps of replication, transcription, and translation. Students are tasked with arranging the sequences of replication, transcription, and translation. They are then asked to identify the polymer as DNA, RNA, or protein. Lastly, they identify if each step is a part of initiation, elongation, or termination. Teachers circulate throughout the room answering questions, monitoring progress, and giving formative assessment feedback. Florida State Science Standard: SC.912.L.16.5 Explain the basic processes of transcription and translation, and how they result in the expression of genes. SC.912.L.16.3 Describe the basic process of DNA replication and how it relates to the transmission and conservation of the genetic information. Learning objectives: Students will be able to identify and order the steps of replication, transcription, and translation. Students will be able to identify and label diagrams representing enzymes and polymers as being involved in DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis. Students will be able to identify and label initiation, elongation, and termination of polymerization of DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Handout Replication, Transcription, and Translation Ordering Cut out the following images and arrange them in the order that they happen within normal cell growth and function. Sequence them so that the first stage is on the far left and the last stage on the far right. Below each step circle with a white board marker what molecule they are involved in creating (DNA/RNA/protein); whether each step is translation, transcription, or replication; and whether each step is elongation, termination, or initiation.

RNA/DNA/protein synthesis Initiation/elongation/termination Replication/transcription/translation

RNA/DNA/protein synthesis Initiation/elongation/termination Replication/transcription/translation

RNA/DNA/protein synthesis Initiation/elongation/termination Replication/transcription/translation

RNA/DNA/protein synthesis Initiation/elongation/termination Replication/transcription/translation

RNA/DNA/protein synthesis Initiation/elongation/termination Replication/transcription/translation

RNA/DNA/protein synthesis Initiation/elongation/termination Replication/transcription/translation

RNA/DNA/protein synthesis Initiation/elongation/termination Replication/transcription/translation

RNA/DNA/protein synthesis Initiation/elongation/termination Replication/transcription/translation

RNA/DNA/protein synthesis Initiation/elongation/termination Replication/transcription/translation

Rubric Item One point is given for every step that is correctly placed next another in the correct sequence. Total of 9 points are possible. One point is given for each step correctly labeled as initiation, elongation, and termination. Total of 9 points are possible. One point is given for each step that is properly labeled as replication, transcription, or translation. Total of 9 points are possible. One point is given for each step correctly labeled as having to do with the production of DNA, RNA, or protein. Total of 9 points are possible. Point