DNA, RNA, & Protein Synthesis Modeling
The purpose of this kit is to model the production of proteins and compare the structure of DNA and RNA. Activity 1 models the structure of DNA from its nucleotide to double helix and its replication. Activity 2 introduces RNA and its nucleotides and simulates the process of transcription in the nucleus and translation in the cytoplasm. The protein synthesis process is modeled by creating mRNA, matching the mRNA and codons to the tRNA and its anticodons, then collecting the specific sequence of amino acids at the ribosome to form a protein molecule.
Details at a Glance
- 2-3 Days | 2-3 ~50 minute class periods
- 2 Activities
- Accommodates unlimited classes, each with 12 groups of 2 students
- Meets our criteria for supporting literacy
- All materials are non-consumable
- Includes digital resources
Scientific Concepts
•Models can be used to represent systems and their interactions.
•DNA molecules have a two-strand double helix (“twisted ladder”) structure.
•Each "ladder rung" consists of a nitrogen base pair (single-ring pyrimidine linked to double-ring purine).
•DNA molecules replicate by “zipping apart” where the weak hydrogen bonds connect the nitrogen bases.
•RNA is similar to DNA but has some significant structural differences.
•During transcription, messenger RNA (mRNA) copies information from the DNA.
•During translation, transfer RNA (tRNA) uses code from mRNA to assemble protein molecules.
Key Vocabulary: adenine, guanine, protein synthesis, replication, transcription,
cytosine, hereditary, purine, RNA/mRNA/tRNA, translation, DNA, hydrogen bond, pyrimidine, thymine, uracil
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Comprehensive Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis items
- Materials necessary for the investigation (beyond common classroom items)
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 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
Need to order refills for this Kit?
Order RefillsRelated Products
-
Kit #79Strawberry DNAThis lab activity allows students to easily extract and observe deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) found in plant cells. They separate and spool the DNA so they can observe some of DNA’s physical properties. Students gain an appreciation and firsthand experience of the DNA structure. This lab activity comes with everything needed to perform...
$127.30 View Details -
Kit #71-513Individual DNA Model
This kit is for a single group and combines the activities of two full-class (16 group) kits: #71 DNA Modeling: Molecular Structure & Replication and #513 Nucleotide Modeling: An Introduction to DNA & RNA. In Activity I (from Kit #71) students build models of DNA and use this experience to visualize the structure of DNA molecules as a ...
$42.40 View Details -
Kit #71DNA Model
The two activities in this kit introduce students to the structure of the DNA molecule and how its structure allows it to replicate. Using a unique Lab-Aids modeling set, students first build an 8-rung DNA double helix and learn the base-pairing rule. Then starting with a 4-rung segment, they unzip the ladder and create...
$120.95 View Details -
Kit #70Genetics Concepts
This activity allows students to collect data that show similar patterns to those Mendel discovered. Using specially designed equipment, students “rediscover” the principles of genetics. The unique materials produce random genotype combinations that are statistically consistent with those found when studying living organisms.
$135.15 View Details -
Kit #505Molecules of Life
This kit is devoted to the study of the chemistry of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, all important components of living organisms. Through the building of models and the drawing and analysis of chemical and structural formulas, students learn about similarities and differences among key organic “molecules of life,” including how they are...
$170.80 View Details -
Kit #513Nucleic Acid Model
Students use a molecular modeling set to build molecules of ribose, deoxyribose and five different nitrogen bases. They use this modeling experience as a basis for visualizing and understanding some of the major differences between DNA and RNA.
$162.15 View Details
