Lab 4

Laboratory Activity No.
4
“DECODE THE MESSAGE”
A Protein Synthesis Simulation
INTRODUCTION:
Proteins are organic molecules that perform many jobs in the body. The process by which proteins are
produced is called protein synthesis. Proteins are made up of chains of amino acids. Amino acids are said to be
the building blocks of proteins. An example of a very important protein includes hemoglobin, which carries
oxygen in the blood. To manufacture proteins, the first step involves the creation of an RNA molecule, called a
messenger RNA (mRNA). A mRNA molecule is produced using DNA as a template (pattern), three bases at a
time. This process in which a complementary sequence of mRNA is copied from a part of the nucleotide
sequence of DNA is called transcription. Transcription occurs in the nucleus. These three bases form a triplet
code, or a codon. Each of these codons code for one of the 20 amino acids used in protein synthesis. So, once
DNA is translated and a mRNA molecule is formed, the mRNA moves into the cytoplasm where it attaches to a
ribosome. The ribosome positions the mRNA so the three-letter code of bases, the codon, can be matched up
with a transfer RNA molecule (tRNA). The tRNA is also made up of a series of bases, like mRNA. In order for
the tRNA to match up with the mRNA, the three letter bases must be opposite, they must be an anticodon. An
anticodon region of a tRNA is a sequence of three bases that are complementary to the codon of the mRNA.
The process of decoding a mRNA message into a protein is called translation. Translation occurs in the
cytoplasm of the cell. It is important that the codon of the mRNA correlates with the anticodon of the tRNA
because the tRNA molecule carries the amino acids needed to synthesize a protein chain. When the correct
correlating tRNA molecules, carrying an amino acid, match up along the mRNA molecule, the amino acids link
to one another to form a protein chain. The protein chain continues to grow until the ribosome comes to a stop
signal, called the stop codon. Once the stop codon is read, the completed protein chain is released.
1. Answer the discussion questions

a. Discuss the process of protein synthesis. Give emphasis to the two processes involved and the
part of the cell where it occurs.
Protein synthesis is the process in which cells make proteins. It occurs in two stages:
transcription and translation. Transcription is the transfer of genetic instructions in DNA to
mRNA in the nucleus. It includes three steps: initiation, elongation, and termination. After the
mRNA is processed, it carries the instructions to a ribosome in the cytoplasm. Translation occurs
at the ribosome, which consists of rRNA and proteins. In translation, the instructions in mRNA
are read, and tRNA brings the correct sequence of amino acids to the ribosome. Then, rRNA
helps bonds form between the amino acids, producing a polypeptide chain. After a polypeptide
chain is synthesized, it may undergo additional processing to form the finished protein.
b. In the simulation activity, what step allows you simulate the transcription process? How about
with the translation process? Explain your answer.
 Step 1: Transcription: convert the DNA code to mRNA code.
 Step 2: Translation: translate mRNA code into an amino acid sequence using the genetic
code chart.
 In transcription process, the nucleotides bases or genetic information in a strand DNA
transfer/copied into mRNA, which the template strand from DNA change when it
undergoes transcription; like in DNA ATG (A-T, C-G) transfer into mRNA with the
corresponding mRNA TAC. And also in transcription process it allow to transfer
template strand in order to start reading the message encoded, whereas, in translation
process used mRNA information to build a polypeptide or a chain of amino acid which
A-U and T-A.
c. What do you think will happen if the nucleotide sequence in the mRNA is interrupted by
inserting additional nucleotide or some will be deleted from the sequence? If this happen to your
sequences, what will happen to your messages?
If the nucleotide sequence in an mRNA molecule is interrupted by the insertion of
additional nucleotide or by the deletion of some nucleotides, it can disrupt the normal process of
protein synthesis. This can lead to the production of an abnormal or nonfunctional protein, which
can have serious consequences for the cell or organism. During protein synthesis, ribosomes read
the sequence of nucleotides in the mRNA and translate it into the sequence of amino acids in a
protein. The sequence of nucleotides in the mRNA determines the sequence of amino acids in the
protein, so any change to the nucleotide sequence can change the amino acid sequence and
potentially alter the function of the protein.
d. What is the significance of having multiple ribosomes (polysomes) translating the mRNA into
polypeptide chain?
Having a multiple ribosomes translating the same mRNA simultaneously is known as
polyribosomes formation or polysomes. This allows for the rapid synthesis of proteins, which is
important for cells to carry out their functions effectively.
Polysomes can form when an mRNA molecule is long and encodes for a large protein, or
when a cell needs to produce a lot of a particular protein. For example, during times of stress or
when a cell is dividing rapidly, it may need to synthesize large amounts of certain protein. In
these cases, polysomes can help the cell meet it’s increased protein synthesis demands.
Polysomes also play a role in the regulation of protein synthesis. The rate at which
ribosomes move along an mRNA molecule and synthesize a protein can be influenced by various
factors, such as the availability of ribosomes and amino acids, and the presence of regulatory
proteins. By forming polysomes, cells can fine-tune the rate of protein synthesis to meet their
needs.
Overall, the formation of polysomes allows for efficient and regulated protein synthesis,
which is critical for maintaining the functions of cells and organisms.
RESULTS and DISCUSSION:

1. I LOVE SCIENCE.
2. YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE.
3. PLANTS PRODUCES ENERGY THROUGH PHOTOSYNTHESIS.
4. READING IS MY ONLY HABIT
5. BIOLOGY IS ALL AROUND YOU.
6. READ A LITTLE EVERYDAY.
7. DNA CODES PROTEIN.
8. THERE IS UNITY IN BIOLOGY.
9. CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY IS EASY.
10. YOU MAY REST BUT NEVER STOP. I BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE GREATNESS.

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Laboratory Activity No.

1. Answer the discussion questions

RESULTS and DISCUSSION:

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