DNA, RNA, & Protein Synthesis Modeling
kit #72
Demystify the DNA/RNA connection in protein synthesis. This hands-on modeling approach makes the complex chemistry of DNA/RNA protein synthesis easily understood!
The kit includes twelve packets of color-coded molecular model components.
Following step-by-step directions, students will:
• Build and replicate an eight-rung DNA molecule
• Use half the DNA ladder to build mRNA (messenger RNA)
• Simulate mRNA movement by placing the mRNA on a ribosome
• Simulate translation by matching the mRNA and its codons to the tRNA (transfer RNA) and its anti-codons
• Disconnect the protein chain so the process can continue
Accommodates unlimited classes, each with 12 groups of two students.
- Demystifies the DNA/RNA connection in protein synthesis
- Replication, transcription and translation is modeled
- Experience how information stored in DNA is expressed as a finished protein
Content List in DNA, RNA, & Protein Synthesis Modeling is as follows:
Quantity | Description |
---|---|
12 | Packets of color-coded model components containing: 36 white tubes, 10 Adenine (orange tubes), 3 Amino acids with R group, 8 Cytosine (blue tubes), 36 Deoxyribose sugars (black), 8 Guanine (yellow tubes), 18 Hydrogen bonds (white rods), 2 Peptide bonds (gray tubes), 9 Ribose sugars (purple), 1 Ribosome, 10 Thymine (green tubes), 3 tRNA (purple), 5 Uracil (purple tubes) |
24 | Student Worksheets and Guides, Part I and II |
1 | Teacher’s Guide |
- Number of students
- 24
- Number of groups
- Maximum 12 groups per period

To complete this kit requires one to two ~50-minute class periods.