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.
- Full downloadable Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Downloadable Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis questions
- All materials necessary to carry out the investigation
- 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
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