The objective of this protein synthesis lab is to understand how genes are expressed. Students will be assigned DNA template cards containing codons. Working in groups, they will transcribe mRNA from the DNA templates and then translate the mRNA into proteins using a codon chart. Students will record their mRNA sequences and protein translations. They will then answer analysis questions about transcription and translation and reflect on what was easiest and most difficult about the lab.

1. Protein Synthesis Lab
Objectives
The objective of this lab is to understand how genes are expressed.
Materials
• 20 DNA Template Cards: these will be kept on the supply table at all times. After all,
DNA cannot leave the nucleus.
• Codon chart for sentences
Procedure
1. Your group will be assigned a number
2. Go to the table, with the DNA template cards
3. Find the card with your number
4. While staying in the nucleus (the table with the cards), transcribe the mRNA, from your
DNA card, onto your lab report.
5. Return to your table.
6. Using the codon chart, translate your protein from the mRNA
7. Get another number from your teacher to make another protein.
Data
Gene number:_____________
mRNA:_______________________________________________________________________
Protein:_______________________________________________________________________
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Gene number:_____________
mRNA:_______________________________________________________________________
Protein:_______________________________________________________________________
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Gene number:_____________
mRNA:_______________________________________________________________________
Protein:_______________________________________________________________________

2. Analysis
1. Why is the making of mRNA called transcription and not replication?
2. Why is the making of mRNA called transcription and not translation?
3. Why is the making of protein called translation?
4. Identify the organelles where transcription and translation occur.
Conclusion
1. Do you feel that you are able to decode the genetic code found in living organisms? Why or
why not?
2. Do you think this lab should be done in groups of two, four, or individually? Why?
3. What was the easiest part of this lab? What was the most difficult part?

3. Codon Chart for Proteins (sentences)

4. DNA Cards
1. TAC,TTT,TTG,TTC,CAT,GTG,TAG,ATC
2. TAC,TTT,TTG,TTA,ACG,TGC,ATC
3. TAC,ATT,TGG,TGA,TGT,ATC
4. TAC,TCT,TCA,TCC,TCT,TCG,TAT,TAG,ATC
5. TAC,TAA,GTT,GTG,TAG,GTC,GGT,GTA,ATC
6. TAC,GGG,GGC,TCT,TCG,GGA,ATC
7. TAC,GCT,GCG,GCC,GCA,ATC
8. TAC,GAT,GAG,TAT,CTA,GAC,GAA,ATC
9. TAC,ATT,TCC,CTT,CTG,CTC,ATC
10. TAC,GGG,GGC,CGT,CGG,CGC,ATC
11. TAC,CGA,GGC,TCT,CCT,CCG,TCT,CCC,ATC
12. TAC,TTT,CCA,TTC,CAT,CAG,ATC
13. TAC,TTT,CAC,TTC,CAA,ATC
14. TAC,ATT,TCC,CTT,ATG,ATA,AGT,ATC
15. TAC,ATT,AGG,AGC,AGA,GCC,GCA,ATC
16. TAC,TAT,CTA,GAC,GAA,GGC,TCT,TCG,ATC
17. TAC,GGG,GGC,CTT,ACT,ACG,ATC
18. TAC,ACC,CAT,ACA,GCC,GCA,ATC
19. TAC,ATT,GGC,TCT,AAG,AAC,AAA,ATC
20. TAC,AAT,AGG,AGC,ACC,AAC,AAA,ATC