Biology (Holt)

Before You Begin

The nature of a is determined by the

sequence of amino acids in its structure.

During ,the sequence of

nitrogen bases in an molecule is used

to assemble into a protein chain.

A is a change in the nitrogen-

base sequence of DNA. Many mutations lead

to altered or defective proteins. For example,

the genetic blood disorder

is caused by a mutation in the gene for

.

In this lab, you will build models that will

help you understand how protein synthesis

occurs. You can also use the models to

explore how a mutation affects a protein.

1.Write a definition for each boldface term in

the paragraph above and for each of the

following terms: transcription, translation,

tRNA, ribosome, codon, anticodon.

2.Describe three differences between DNA

and RNA.

3.Based on the objectives for this lab, write a

question you would like to explore about

protein synthesis.

Procedure

PARTA:Design a Model

1.Work with the members of your lab group

to design models of DNA, RNA, and a cell.

Use the materials listed for this lab.

2.Write out the plan for building your mod-

els. Have your teacher approve the plan

before you begin building the models.

3. Build the models your group
   designed. CAUTION: Sharp or
   pointed objects may cause injury. Handle
   pushpins carefully.Start your model of
   DNA with a strand of nucleotides that has
   the following sequence of nitrogen bases:
   TTTGGTCTCCTC.

You Choose

As you design your models, decide the following:

a. what question you will explore

b.how to represent DNA nucleotides

c. how to represent RNA nucleotides

d.how to represent five different nitrogen bases

e. how to link (bond) nucleotides together

f. how to represent tRNA molecules with

amino acids

g. how to represent the locations of DNA and

ribosomes

hemoglobin

sickle cell anemia

mutation

amino acids

mRNA

protein synthesis

protein

Exploration Lab

Modeling Protein Synthesis

224 CHAPTER 10How Proteins Are Made

SKILLS

• Modeling


• Using scientific methods

OBJECTIVES

• Compare andContrast
  the structure and function
  of DNA and RNA.


• Modelprotein synthesis.


• Demonstratehow a
  mutation can affect
  a protein.

MATERIALS

• masking tape


• plastic soda-straw pieces
  of one color


• plastic soda-straw pieces
  of a different color


• paper clips


• pushpins of five different
  colors


• marking pens of the same
  colors as the pushpins
  -^3 5 in. note cards


• oval-shaped card


• transparent tape

1A 1B 2A 2B 2C 4B 6C 9A