The objective of this lab was to understand how genes are expressed through protein synthesis. Students were assigned DNA template cards and used a codon chart to transcribe mRNA and translate proteins. They completed this process in groups, transcribing mRNA in the "nucleus" and translating proteins at their table. The student was able to decode the genetic code to make three proteins based on provided mRNA sequences. They felt this lab effectively taught them how to decode the genetic code through transcription and translation, and that working in pairs would be most effective for this lab.

1. Protein Synthesis Lab
Objectives
The objective of this lab is to understand how genes are expressed.
Materials
• 20 DNA Template Cards: these will be kept on the supply table at all times. After all,
DNA cannot leave the nucleus.
• Codon chart for sentences
Procedure
1. Your group will be assigned a number
2. Go to the table, with the DNA template cards
3. Find the card with your number
4. While staying in the nucleus (the table with the cards), transcribe the mRNA, from your
DNA card, onto your lab report.
5. Return to your table.
6. Using the codon chart, translate your protein from the mRNA
7. Get another number from your teacher to make another protein. Data
Gene number: one
mRNA: TAC, TTT, TTG, TTC, CAT, GTG, TAG, ATC
Protein:your mother wears a rubber band
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Gene number: 2
mRNA: TAC, TTT, TTG, TTA, ACG, UAG
Protein: your mother dresses you funny
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Gene number: 3
mRNA: TAC, ATT, TGG, TGA, TGT, ATC
Protein: we have dog breath

2. Analysis
1. Why is the making of mRNA called transcription and not replication?
Because, they change the protein.
2. Why is the making of mRNA called transcription and not translation?
Because, mRNA changes the codons.
3. Why is the making of protein called translation?
Because, codons in mRNA message into a protein
4. Identify the organelles where transcription and translation occur.
The nucleus and the ribosome
Conclusion
1. Do you feel that you are able to decode the genetic code found in living organisms? Why or why not?
Yes, because I have the Codon Chart for proteins
2. Do you think this lab should be done in groups of two, four, or individually? Why?
It depends, but I think this lab should be done in groups of two
3. What was the easiest part of this lab? What was the most difficult part?
The easiest part was figuring out the code, I don’t think there was anything hard