1. For the first link, you have a drop-down menu that lets you review other concepts in biology. We’ll be focusing on DNA transcription and translation today.
2. What enzyme promotes the reaction of DNA transcription?
RNA Polymerase
3. What molecule is being copied in DNA transcription?
DNA
4. What molecule is making the copy during DNA transcription?
RNA Polymerase
5. By the way, what does “transcription” mean?
Transcription literally means a written representation of something. In the cellular sense, transcription is the synthesis of proteins by interpreting codes made by the DNA.
6. Where does transcription take place?
Transcription takes place in the nucleus of the cell.
7. In what direction along the molecule does transcription take place?
left to right (5’ -> 3’)
8. For the second link, you have two investigations. First, go to the “Transcribe and Translate A Gene” interactive activity. Complete the activity, then answer the following questions.
9. What is a codon? How many bases (nucleotides) make a codon?
a sequence of three nucleotides that together form a unit of genetic code in a DNA or RNA molecule
10. What is the “start” codon? What does it code for?
AUG, it stands for methionine
11. What are the “stop” codons? What do they code for?
UAA, UAG, UGA, These codons code for when to stop translating the RNA strand
12. Where does translation take place?
The translation process takes place in the cytoplasm.
13. Using both sites, name at least 4 differences between DNA and RNA molecules.
1.RNA molecules use U instead of T.
2.RNA is single stranded while DNA is double stranded.
3.RNA codes amino acids for ribosomes to make proteins.
4.DNA uses deoxyribose while RNA uses ribose.
14. Using both sites, identify the functions of tRNA, mRNA, and rRNA.
tRNA- Transfer RNA carry amino acids. Special proteins link amino acids with tRNA. mRNA- Messenger RNA contain the instructions for building proteins. Codons (groups of 3 nucleotides) code for specific amino acids.
rRNA- Ribosomal RNA build proteins.
The tRNA bring the amino acids to the ribosome. The ribosome reads the mRNA. Then the rRNA links the amino acids that the tRNA has brought.
Guiliana
15. Now watch the “What Makes A Firefly Glow?” animation so that you can see and understand the production of this protein from beginning to end. Recall the 4 structures of the protein (review them if you’ve forgotten) and list them:
The Luciferase Enzyme
17. What purpose does the glowing serve?
Fireflies glow for a few reasons: to attract mates and avoid predators. When female fireflies recognize a flash from the same species, they answer with a flash (which is their way of bonding). Lucibufagins (the chemical fireflies are filled with) have an unpleasant taste, so predators usually associate this taste with fireflies and leave them alone.
18. On your own, discover what “lucifer” means so that you understand the name of the enzyme.
Lucifer means “bringing light,” which is exactly the reaction the enzyme produces in fireflies.
19. Now, go to these sites, read the articles and listen to the DNA music (the sound may not play for you on the first link, but it does on the other): http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/222591.stm
http://www.yourdnasong.com/
20. Discuss what you thought about and/or felt as you heard this? The overall experience was strange in a way because of the fact that not one song would ever be similar. Much more, the fact that someone thought to make DNA into music and somehow convert the frequencies of the DNA molecules is rather impressive. Did you have an unusual reaction? If so, can you explain why? It was not an “unusual” reaction, rather just impressed by human innovation and the possessing the ability to make music out of DNA. Specially because that there could be other ways to interpret how you wish to make the music, one was based off of the vibration wave length of the different sections while someone else could go a completely different rout.
21. Compare your answers to your table mates, discuss with your partner, and your responses in ECHO.
22. Exit ticket: Be prepared to share out.
2. What enzyme promotes the reaction of DNA transcription?
RNA Polymerase
3. What molecule is being copied in DNA transcription?
DNA
4. What molecule is making the copy during DNA transcription?
RNA Polymerase
5. By the way, what does “transcription” mean?
Transcription literally means a written representation of something. In the cellular sense, transcription is the synthesis of proteins by interpreting codes made by the DNA.
6. Where does transcription take place?
Transcription takes place in the nucleus of the cell.
7. In what direction along the molecule does transcription take place?
left to right (5’ -> 3’)
8. For the second link, you have two investigations. First, go to the “Transcribe and Translate A Gene” interactive activity. Complete the activity, then answer the following questions.
9. What is a codon? How many bases (nucleotides) make a codon?
a sequence of three nucleotides that together form a unit of genetic code in a DNA or RNA molecule
10. What is the “start” codon? What does it code for?
AUG, it stands for methionine
11. What are the “stop” codons? What do they code for?
UAA, UAG, UGA, These codons code for when to stop translating the RNA strand
12. Where does translation take place?
The translation process takes place in the cytoplasm.
13. Using both sites, name at least 4 differences between DNA and RNA molecules.
1.RNA molecules use U instead of T.
2.RNA is single stranded while DNA is double stranded.
3.RNA codes amino acids for ribosomes to make proteins.
4.DNA uses deoxyribose while RNA uses ribose.
14. Using both sites, identify the functions of tRNA, mRNA, and rRNA.
tRNA- Transfer RNA carry amino acids. Special proteins link amino acids with tRNA. mRNA- Messenger RNA contain the instructions for building proteins. Codons (groups of 3 nucleotides) code for specific amino acids.
rRNA- Ribosomal RNA build proteins.
The tRNA bring the amino acids to the ribosome. The ribosome reads the mRNA. Then the rRNA links the amino acids that the tRNA has brought.
Guiliana
15. Now watch the “What Makes A Firefly Glow?” animation so that you can see and understand the production of this protein from beginning to end. Recall the 4 structures of the protein (review them if you’ve forgotten) and list them:
- Primary b. Secondary c. Tertiary d. Quaternary
The Luciferase Enzyme
17. What purpose does the glowing serve?
Fireflies glow for a few reasons: to attract mates and avoid predators. When female fireflies recognize a flash from the same species, they answer with a flash (which is their way of bonding). Lucibufagins (the chemical fireflies are filled with) have an unpleasant taste, so predators usually associate this taste with fireflies and leave them alone.
18. On your own, discover what “lucifer” means so that you understand the name of the enzyme.
Lucifer means “bringing light,” which is exactly the reaction the enzyme produces in fireflies.
19. Now, go to these sites, read the articles and listen to the DNA music (the sound may not play for you on the first link, but it does on the other): http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/222591.stm
http://www.yourdnasong.com/
20. Discuss what you thought about and/or felt as you heard this? The overall experience was strange in a way because of the fact that not one song would ever be similar. Much more, the fact that someone thought to make DNA into music and somehow convert the frequencies of the DNA molecules is rather impressive. Did you have an unusual reaction? If so, can you explain why? It was not an “unusual” reaction, rather just impressed by human innovation and the possessing the ability to make music out of DNA. Specially because that there could be other ways to interpret how you wish to make the music, one was based off of the vibration wave length of the different sections while someone else could go a completely different rout.
21. Compare your answers to your table mates, discuss with your partner, and your responses in ECHO.
22. Exit ticket: Be prepared to share out.