Protein Synthesis Simulation

Complete on a separate sheet of paper

1. Assign a role to each group member

- RNA polymerase: Transcribe DNA to mRNA in the nucleus (1 person)
- tRNA: Search the room for appropriate tRNA molecules (1-2 people)
- Ribosome: Match tRNA to mRNA and record translated sentence (1-2 people)
-Proofreader: check the mRNA and tRNA sequences (1 person)
1. The group member who is RNA polymerase should go to the "nucleus".
2. Choose a DNA strand and write down its number. Transcribe the strand to mRNA using the
RNA nucleotides in the nucleus
3. Bring the RNA strand back to your desk (ribosome). Each group member should record the
mRNA sequence.
3. The group member(s) who are tRNAs will search the room for appropriate tRNA molecules
4. The group member(s) who are ribosomes will match the tRNA to the mRNA.
5. Record the words on the back of the tRNA molecules to decode your sentence. Please
return the tRNA to the wall when you are done
6. The Proofreader will double-check the mRNA and tRNA sequences to ensure they are
complementary
***If your sentence doesnt make sense, double check your sequences and correct any
mistakes!***
Analysis
Complete on a separate sheet of paper, due at the end of the hour.
Everyone must do their own questions.
1. Record mRNA sequence and DNA strand number
2. Record tRNA sequence
3. Record translated sentence
4. Why did you have to stay in the "nucleus" to write down the mRNA?
5. What happens in the ribosomes during protein synthesis?
6. What does the final English sentence represent in terms of protein synthesis?
7. What does each word represent in terms of protein synthesis?
8. All DNA sequences started with ATG and ended with TAG? Why?