DNA - RNA - Protein

Station #2 - Videos and Computer Hands-On

Actitity #1

Video #1 - "Instructions for a Human Being"

This video describes the ladder-like structure and chemical makeup of DNA.

Quicktime | Real (09:06)

Activity #2

Are you a little confused by all the talk about DNA and genes? Take the tour.

Let's build a DNA Molecule.

DNA is the chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms. The structure of DNA is like a ladder that has been twisted into a spiral. The sides of the "ladder" are formed by a backbone of sugar and phosphate molecules, and the "rungs" consist of nucleotide bases joined weakly in the middle by hydrogen bonds. DNA bases characteristically pair G (guanine) with C (cytosine), and A (adenine) with T (thymine).

Bring in RNA
DNA, RNA and proteins are the molecules that support life on Earth. DNA is the template of genetic information for protein synthesis.

Protein synthesis could not take place without RNA:

the Messenger, mRNA - mRNA is an intermediate copy of genetic information that guides protein synthesis in the cell's protein synthesis machinery, called the ribosome
the Machinery, rRNA - rRNA is an essential component of the ribosome
the Carrier, tRNA - tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

Activity #3

Protein synthesis - DNA workshop activity	Proteins are polymers made of amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids commonly found in proteins. To make a protein, the ribosome strings amino acids together into a chain. This chain, called a polypeptide, folds into a specific three-dimensional shape.
Transcribe and Translate - Are you ready to transcribe a DNA sequence and translate it into a protein?

Activity #4
Video #2 - "Getting the Letters Out"

This video describes notes that every human baby born is 99.5 percent identical to every other baby. So what makes you unique?

Quicktime | Real (05:52)

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