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From Gene To Protein - Transcription and Translation

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474 views11 pages

From Gene To Protein - Transcription and Translation

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ELOISA N. CASANE
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© © All Rights Reserved
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From Gene to Protein – Transcription and Translation1

How do genes influence our characteristics?


A gene is a segment of DNA that gives the instructions for making a protein. Different versions
of a gene result in different versions of a protein which can result in different characteristics.
This chart shows an example.
Gene in DNA  Protein  Characteristic
One version of a gene gives When a blood vessel is injured, After an injury, a
instructions for normal  normal clotting protein results in  blood clot stops the
clotting protein. prompt blood clot formation. bleeding.
Another version of the gene
Defective clotting protein results in Excessive bleeding
gives instructions for  
slow blood clot formation. = hemophilia
defective clotting protein.

1. Explain how different versions of a gene determine whether or not a person has hemophilia.

How does a gene give the instructions for making a protein?

2a. The first step is transcription of the gene. During transcription,


the instructions in the gene in the DNA are copied to messenger
RNA, which is usually called ______________.
(DNA / mRNA / protein)

2b. The second step is translation. During translation, mRNA gives


the instructions for making a ______________.
(DNA / mRNA / protein)

3a. The figure below shows more specifics. Fill in the blanks to label the DNA, mRNA and protein.

3b. DNA and RNA are polymers of nucleotides. The four types of nucleotides in DNA are A, ___, ___,
and ___. The four types of nucleotides in
RNA are ___, ___, ___, and ___.

3c. During transcription, the sequence of


nucleotides in a gene in the DNA
determines the sequence of
___________________ in mRNA.

3d. A protein is a polymer of amino acids.


During translation, the sequence of
nucleotides in mRNA determines the
sequence of ____________________ in the
protein.
1
By Drs. Ingrid Waldron and Jennifer Doherty, Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Copyright, 2019. Teachers are encouraged to
copy this Student Handout for classroom use. A Word file (which can be used to prepare a modified version if desired) and Teacher Preparation
Notes with instructional suggestions and background biology are available at http://serendipstudio.org/sci_edu/waldron/#trans .
1
You have seen that the sequence of nucleotides in a gene in the DNA determines the sequence of
nucleotides in the mRNA which determines the sequence of amino acids in the protein.

The sequence of amino acids determines the structure and function of the protein. For example,
the sequence of amino acids determines whether a clotting protein is normal or defective.

4a. Which process takes place in the nucleus? transcription ___ translation ___

4b. Explain why this process must occur in the nucleus.

Transcription
This figure shows how a gene is transcribed to make an mRNA molecule.

5. Fill in each blank in the figure


with DNA or mRNA.

During transcription, each DNA


nucleotide in the gene is matched
with a complementary RNA
nucleotide which has a matching
shape and charge distribution.

The base-pairing rules summarize which nucleotides are complementary. The base-pairing rules
for transcription are similar to the base-pairing rules in the DNA double helix.

6. Use the information in the Base-Pairing Rules for Complementary Nucleotides:


above figure to complete this between the two strands between DNA and RNA
table. of a DNA double helix (during transcription)
G pairs with C. G pairs with ____.
T in DNA pairs with ____ in RNA.
T pairs with A.
A in DNA pairs with ____ in RNA.

The base-pairing rules ensure that the nucleotide sequence in the gene in the DNA is copied into a
corresponding nucleotide sequence in the mRNA molecule.

2
The enzyme RNA polymerase plays a crucial role in transcription. Specifically, RNA polymerase:
 separates the two strands of a DNA
double helix
 synthesizes mRNA by adding RNA
nucleotides one at a time
 uses the nucleotide sequence in a gene
in the DNA to determine which RNA
nucleotide to add next.

7. Why is RNA polymerase a good name for the


enzyme that carries out transcription? Explain
each part of the name: RNA, polymer and ase.

Procedure for Modeling Transcription


Note: In this modeling activity, your goal is to learn how RNA is made. During transcription RNA
polymerase adds one nucleotide at a time to the growing mRNA molecule. To model transcription
accurately, complete each step in the procedure and check the box before you begin the next step.

A. Your group should get a page showing an RNA polymerase molecule inside a nucleus,
a paper strip showing a single strand of DNA labeled "Beginning of Hemoglobin Gene",
RNA nucleotides and tape.

One of you will be the RNA polymerase. Another group member will be the cytoplasm which
surrounds the nucleus and supplies the nucleotides which are used to make the mRNA molecule.

B. RNA polymerase: Insert the "Beginning of


Hemoglobin Gene" DNA molecule through
the slot in the RNA polymerase diagram so
the first two nucleotides of the gene are
on the dashes labeled DNA.

Your RNA polymerase should look like this


figure. (Note: A real RNA polymerase
molecule and DNA and RNA nucleotides
are much smaller than the nucleus.)

C. Cytoplasm: Use the base-pairing rules to choose an RNA nucleotide that is complementary to the
first DNA nucleotide. Give this nucleotide to the RNA polymerase person.

D. RNA polymerase: Put this RNA nucleotide in the box labeled RNA nucleotide.
3
E. Cytoplasm: Give the next RNA nucleotide (complementary to the next DNA nucleotide) to the
RNA polymerase person.

F. RNA polymerase: Put this nucleotide in the box labeled "next RNA nucleotide". Join the two
RNA nucleotides together with transparent tape; the tape represents the covalent bond
between these two nucleotides in the growing mRNA molecule. Then, move the DNA
molecule and the mRNA molecule one space to the left.

G. Repeat steps E and F as often as needed to complete transcription of the beginning of the
hemoglobin gene by adding one nucleotide at a time to the mRNA molecule.

8. Summarize how transcription makes mRNA. A complete answer will include:


DNA, gene, mRNA, nucleotides, RNA polymerase, one at a time, base-pairing rules.

9. The first column of this table describes DNA replication. Fill in the blanks in the second column
to summarize the differences between DNA replication and transcription.
DNA replication Transcription
The whole chromosome is replicated. ___________________is transcribed.
DNA is made. mRNA is made.
DNA is double-stranded. mRNA is _______________ -stranded.
DNA polymerase is the enzyme which carries out _____ polymerase is the enzyme which carries
DNA replication. out transcription.

T is used in DNA; In RNA, T is replaced by ___;


A pairs with T in DNA. A in DNA pairs with ___ in mRNA.

10. Fill in the blanks to describe the similarities between transcription and DNA replication.
Both transcription and DNA replication produce nucleic acids which are polymers of
_________________ (C, G, A, and T or U). Both processes depend on a ___________________
enzyme which adds one ________________ at a time. To determine which nucleotide is added
next, both transcription and DNA replication use the nucleotide sequence in a _______ strand and
the ______________________________ rules.

4
Translation
11. To show how translation follows transcription,
fill in the blanks and box in this figure.

How do just 4 types of nucleotides in mRNA provide


a unique code for each of the 20 types of amino
acids in proteins?
The code for each type of amino acid is a
sequence of three nucleotides, which is
called a codon.

12. In the figure, circle the mRNA codon that codes


for the amino acid Phe.

Special molecules called transfer RNA (tRNA) bring the right amino
acid for each mRNA codon.

This figure shows one type of tRNA with the amino acid, Glu, attached.
The other end of this tRNA has the anticodon for Glu. This anticodon
has three nucleotides that are matched by the base-pairing rules to
the three nucleotides in the mRNA codon for Glu.

13. There are multiple types of tRNA. Each type of tRNA carries a
specific amino acid and has an anticodon with three nucleotides that
are complementary to the three nucleotides in the codon for that
amino acid. What is the anticodon for the amino acid Phe?

14. For each type of tRNA, there is a specific enzyme that attaches the correct amino acid for the
anticodon in that tRNA. These enzymes are needed for step ______ in the figure below.
(1/2/3/4)
Translation takes place in
ribosomes (tiny structures in
the cytoplasm).

Inside the ribosome, a codon in


an mRNA molecule is matched
by the base-pairing rules with
an anticodon in a tRNA (step 3).
This tRNA brings the next
amino acid to be added to the
growing protein molecule.

15. In the ribosome, circle a


codon in the mRNA and the
complementary anticodon in a
tRNA molecule.

Each amino acid is joined to the


previous amino acid in the
growing protein molecule (step
4). Then, the ribosome moves
along the mRNA to the next codon (step 5).
5
16. What part of translation depends on the base-pairing rules?

17. Why does a cell need tRNA to make a protein? Explain how tRNA works with mRNA to put the
right amino acids in the right sequence as the protein is made.

Procedure for Modeling Translation


To simulate the steps in translation, one of you will be the ribosome, and another will be the
cytoplasm. Complete each step in the procedure and check it off, before beginning the next step.

Preparation
A. Your group will need the mRNA you made during your simulation of transcription, a strip
labeled "Second Part of mRNA", a page showing a ribosome, tRNA molecules, and amino acids.

18. For tRNA to do its job, each tRNA molecule must be attached to the correct amino acid that
corresponds to the anticodon in that type of tRNA. To know which amino acid should be attached
to each tRNA molecule, use the base-pairing rules to complete this table.

Thr His Pro Leu Glu Val


(Threonine) (Histidine) (Proline) (Leucine) (Glutami (Valine)
Amino acid
c
acid)
Anticodon in tRNA molecule
UGA
that carries this amino acid
mRNA codon ACU CAU CCU CUG GAG GUG

19. Your partner wants to move ahead quickly, so he uses the mRNA strip and the table above to
arrange the amino acids in the correct sequence; then he tapes together all six amino acids.
Explain why this would not be a good simulation of the actual sequence of steps used to carry out
translation.

B. Cytoplasm: Use the above table to match each tRNA molecule with the correct amino acid for
that type of tRNA. Tape the amino acid to the tRNA very lightly, because they will only be
joined temporarily and will soon separate.
C. Cytoplasm: Tape the CUG end of the mRNA you made to the ACU end of the Second Part of
mRNA strip.

6
Note: A real mRNA molecule has many more nucleotides than your strip has. Also, a real tRNA
molecule has many more nucleotides than the three nucleotides of the anticodon.

7
Modeling the Steps in Translation
D. Ribosome: Insert the mRNA through the slot in the model ribosome, with the first three
nucleotides of the mRNA in the "codon" position and the next three nucleotides in the "next
codon" position.
E. Cytoplasm: Use the base-pairing rules to supply the tRNA that has the correct anticodon to match
the first codon in the mRNA.
F. Ribosome: Place this tRNA with its amino acid in position.
20. Your model ribosome should look like this figure. Circle the anti-codon of the tRNA.

G. Cytoplasm: Supply the tRNA that has the correct anticodon to match the codon in the "next codon"
position.

H. Ribosome: Place the tRNA in position. Tape the two amino acids together to represent the covalent
bond between these two amino acids. Detach the amino acid on the left from its tRNA.

I. Ribosome: Move the mRNA and matching tRNAs with amino acids one codon to the left. Release
the tRNA on the left to the cytoplasm.

J. Repeat steps G-I as often as needed to attach all six amino acids to form the beginning portion of
the hemoglobin protein.

21a. Fill in the blanks to label each type of


molecule in this figure.

21b. Name the process shown in the figure and


explain each step in this process. A complete
answer will include each of the molecules shown
and these words:
anticodon, base-pairing rules, codon,
nucleotides, ribosome, sequence.

8
22. Why does a cell need to carry out transcription before translation?

23. Explain why it makes sense to use the word translation to describe protein synthesis and why it
would not make sense to use the word translation to describe mRNA synthesis.

The Hemoglobin Gene and Sickle Cell Anemia


Different versions of the same gene are called different alleles. These different alleles share the
same general sequence of nucleotides, but they differ in at least one nucleotide in the sequence.

24a. Complete this flowchart to illustrate how different alleles can result in different
characteristics.

24b. Label the arrow that represents transcription.

24c. Label the arrow that represents translation.


9
25. Use this table to compare the nucleotide sequence in the “Beginning of Allele for Normal
Hemoglobin” vs. the “Beginning of Allele for Sickle Cell Hemoglobin”. What is the only difference?

Beginning of Allele for Normal Hemoglobin


CACGTAGACTGAGGACTC
Transcription produces: codon1 codon 2 codon 3 codon 4 codon 5 codon 6

Beginning of Normal Hemoglobin mRNA


amino amino amino amino amino amino
Translation produces:
acid 1 acid 2 acid 3 acid 4 acid 5 acid 6
Beginning of Normal Hemoglobin Protein

Beginning of Allele for Sickle Cell Hemoglobin


CACGTAGACTGAGGACAC
Transcription produces: codon 1 codon 2 codon 3 codon 4 codon 5 codon 6

Beginning of Sickle Cell Hemoglobin mRNA


amino amino amino amino amino amino
Translation produces:
acid 1 acid 2 acid 3 acid 4 acid 5 acid 6
Beginning of Sickle Cell Hemoglobin Protein

26. Complete the above table. Use the table below to help with translation.

mRNA codon ACU CAU CCU CUG GAG GUG


Corresponding Thr His Pro Leu Glu Val
amino acid (Threonine) (Histidine) (Proline (Leucine) (Glutami (Valine)
) c
acid)

27. Compare the amino acid sequence for the beginning of sickle cell hemoglobin vs. the beginning
of normal hemoglobin. What difference do you observe?

Sickle cell hemoglobin and normal hemoglobin differ in only a single amino acid out of more than
100 amino acids in the complete hemoglobin protein. This difference in a single amino acid results
in the different properties of sickle cell hemoglobin compared to normal hemoglobin.

10
Hemoglobin is carried inside red blood cells. Normal hemoglobin dissolves in the watery cytosol of
red blood cells. Sickle cell hemoglobin tends to clump in long rods instead of dissolving in the
cytosol. One reason why is:
 Valine (Val) is much less water-soluble than glutamic acid (Glu).
 Amino acid 6 is in a crucial location on the outer surface of the hemoglobin protein.

This chart shows how this difference between sickle cell hemoglobin and normal hemoglobin
results in the symptoms of sickle cell anemia.

Genotype  Protein  Phenotype (characteristics)


Normal
2 copies of the allele hemoglobin Disk-shaped red blood cells can
that codes for dissolves in squeeze through the small blood
 
normal hemoglobin the cytosol of vessels
(SS) red blood  normal health
cells.
When sickle cell hemoglobin clumps
in long rods
Sickle cell  sickle-shaped red blood cells
2 copies of the allele hemoglobin  block small blood vessels
that codes for can clump in  reduced oxygen supply
 
sickle cell hemoglobin long rods  pain, damage to body organs.
(ss) inside red Also, these red blood cells die faster
blood cells. than they can be replaced
 anemia (low red blood cells).
Person has sickle cell anemia.

28. Circle the arrows in the chart that represent transcription + translation.
29. The alleles for normal hemoglobin and sickle cell hemoglobin differ in a single nucleotide. Explain
how this small molecular difference can cause a person to experience pain and anemia. (Be specific.)

30. Considering that we are all made up of the same 4 nucleotides in our DNA, the same 4 nucleotides
in our RNA, and the same 20 amino acids in our proteins, why are we so different from each other?

11

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