Transcription and Translation Review Lesson Plan

Name: Robert Wallon

Class/Subject: Biology

Date: 2/6/09

Student Objectives/Student Outcomes:

 Explain how messenger RNA, ribosomal RNA, and transfer RNA are involved in the transcription and
translation of genes.
 Describe how the code of DNA is translated into messenger RNA and is utilized to synthesize a
particular protein.

Content Standards:
 Illinois State Science Standard 12.A.4a
Explain how genetic combinations produce visible effects and variations among visible features and
cellular functions of organisms.

 National Science Education Standard B. Grades 9-12. The Molecular Basis of Heredity.
In all organisms, the instructions for specifying the characteristics of the organism are carried in DNA, a
large polymer formed from subunits of four kinds (A, G, C, and T). The chemical and structural
properties of DNA explain how the genetic information that underlies heredity is both encoded in genes
(as a string of molecular ''letters") and replicated (by a templating mechanism). Each DNA molecule in a
cell forms a single chromosome.

Materials/Resources/Technology:
 Projector
 Computer, with animations loaded
 Concept maps (160 copies)
 Snork activity Form A (80 copies)
 Snork activity Form B (80 copies)
 Notecards (160 count)

Teacher’s Goals (optional):

 Time
2 min Start of Class:
Starting Questions
1. What is the importance of proteins in the body?
Answer: They have structural and enzymatic functions.
2. What does transfer RNA carry?
Answer: Each tRNA carries an amino acid.

10 min Introduction of Lesson:

Animations
1. Transcription
 Show animation once
 Replay animation; ask a student to describe what is happening.
2. Translation
 Show animation once
 Replay animation; ask a student to describe what is happening.

Lesson Instruction:
10 min 1. Concept Map
 Distribute concept map sheets (1 per student)
 Explain directions
 Allow students to work independently to complete concept map
 Go over concept map together; question students for answers

20 min 2. Snork Activity

modified from http://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/snorks.html
 Distribute Activity sheets (Form A to half of class, Form B to other half)
 Go through directions together
 Allow students time to complete the table and draw their snorks

Assessments/Checks for Understanding:

Review Answers to Concept Map
During Snork Activity
Circulate around the room and assess student understanding from the chart
they fill in.
Collect Tickets out

5 min Closure/Wrap-Up/Review:
Ticket out
Have students write answers to these questions on a notecard.
1. What do you call the process of making a protein from mRNA code?
2. What do you call the process of making mRNA from DNA code?
3. What is different between mRNA and tRNA?

Self-Assessment (optional):
 Name:
Protein Synthesis Graphic Organizer
Period:
Directions: Use the word bank to fill in each blank space on this graphic organizer. Each term in the word bank is used at least one time.

WORD BANK

amino acid nucleus transcription

codon ribosome translation
mRNA rRNA tRNA
 Name:
Period:

How Does DNA Determine the Traits of an Organism?

Introduction: In this simulation, you will examine the DNA sequence of a fictitious organism: the Snork. Snorks
were discovered on the planet Dee Enae in a distant solar system. Snorks only have one chromosome with 6 genes
on it. Your job is to analyze the genes of the Snork's DNA and determine what traits the organism has.

tRNA Anticodon Amino Acid # Amino Acid Sequence Trait

ACC 20 20-11-13 Hairless
AGC 16 20-12-13 Hairy
CGA 2 20-21-21 Plump
AAC 4 13-14-15 Skinny
CGC 3 16-2-5 4 legged
GGG 5 16-4-5 2 legged
AGG 7 12-7-8 Round head
AAA 8 5-7-8 Block head
UUU 9 9-8-8 No tail
GGU 12 9-4-8 Tail
UAU 13 11-3-2 Square eyes
CCC 1 11-3-3 Round eyes
AUC 6 6-6-10 Long legs
CUA 10 6-6-4 Short legs
GGA 11
Observations and Analysis of Snork DNA
You are given a chromosome from a Snork with the following sequence. Each gene has only 3 amino acids. Your job is
to determine the sequence of amino acids for your specimen. Write the complimentary mRNA and tRNA Anticodon
sequence in the chart below. Use the table on the previous page to write the Amino Acid # and Trait.

DNA ACCGGTTAT|AGCCGAGGG|TTTAACAAA|GGACGCCGA|GGGAGGAAA|ATCATCCTA
mRNA

tRNA

Amino
Acid #
Trait

Draw your Snork in the space below. Be creative, but be sure to depict the traits you discovered above.

A
Observations and Analysis of Snork DNA
You are given a chromosome from a Snork with the following sequence. Each gene has only 3 amino acids. Your job is
to determine the sequence of amino acids for your specimen. Write the complimentary mRNA and tRNA Anticodon
sequence in the chart below. Use the table on the previous page to write the Amino Acid # and Trait.

DNA ACCGGATAT|AGCAACGGG|TTTAAAAAA|GGACGCCGC|GGTAGGAAA|ATCATCAAC
mRNA

tRNA

Amino
Acid #
Trait

Draw your Snork in the space below. Be creative, but be sure to depict the traits you discovered above.