Protein Synthesis LabObjectives 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

Procedure1. Your group will be assigned a number2. Go to the table, with the DNA template cards3. Find the card with your number4. 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 mRNA7. Get another number from your teacher to make another protein. Data

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Gene number: 7

mRNA: AUG_CGA_CGC_CGG_CGU_UAG

Protein: Drink_Water_Every_Day

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Gene number: 8

mRNA: AUG__CUA_CUC_AUA_GAU_CUG_CUU_UAG

Protein: your mother dresses you funny

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Gene number: 9

mRNA: AUG_UAA_AGG_GAA_GAC_GAG_UAG

Protein: We_are_all_demented_puppies

Analysis1. Why is the making of mRNA called transcription and not replication?

Because, they change the protein.2. Why is the making of mRNA called transcription and not translation?

Because, mRNA changes the codons.3. Why is the making of protein called translation?

Because, codons in mRNA message into a protein 4. Identify the organelles where transcription and translation occur.

The nucleus and the ribosome

Conclusion1. Do you feel that you are able to decode the genetic code found in living organisms? Why or why not?

Yes, because I have the Codon Chart for proteins2. Do you think this lab should be done in groups of two, four, or individually? Why?

It depends, but I think this lab should be done in groups of two3. What was the easiest part of this lab? What was the most difficult part?

The easiest part was figuring out the code, I don’t think there was anything hard