In this activity students build protein bracelets using beads with different colors and shapes that represent the different amino acids.

This lesson will examine the key DNA coding which leads to key proteins animals use to maintain their existence.

This resource goes with the lesson plan "Alien Encounters -- Transcription and Translation" . Students can use this resource to look up the DNA sequence for a specific disease of their choice, then enter the DNA sequence and find the amino acid sequence for the disease. Students can prepare a poster of a disease which would include information about the disease, the DNA sequence, RNA strand and amino acid chain.

In this advanced lesson, students use amino acids sequences from the rock pocket mouse genome to illustrate the different levels of protein structure and the relationship between a protein's structure and function.

This resource is a lab in which students are given a hypothetical DNA sequence for part of an enzyme. Using the universal genetic code, they will then determine the amino acid sequence coded for by the DNA. Differently shaped lego blocks will represent different amino acids. Students will construct the enzyme using legos.

This hands-on activity is designed for students to demonstrate the concepts of bonding amino acids to create proteins, and to model protein synthesis. This activity cab be used as an assessment of the students' understanding of peptide and disulfide bonds formed during protein synthesis, and the structure of an amino acid (R-group plus the common structure that all amino acids share). Students will demonstrate the process of dehydration synthesis by combining amino acids. They will synthesize one molecule of the protein ADH (antidiuretic hormone) by reading the mRNA sequence, cutting out the -OH on the carboxyl group on amino acid one, and the -H on the amino group of amino acid two. These two pieces (-OH and -H) will combine to form a water molecule. The students will connect the two amino acids by taping a peptide bond label between the carbon of the carboxyl and the nitrogen of the amino group on amino acid. This process is continued until the stop codon on the mRNA is read. If the synthesis is done correctly, the student will produce eight peptide bonds creating one chain, and eight molecules of water. If this activity is used for biology, the tRNA, and rRNA molecules can be added to the process.

In this lesson, students will utilize their knowledge of RNA transcription and translation in order to make a protein. They will use a paper strip DNA template (portion of the DNA that will code for the protein) to determine the appropriate m-RNA and t-RNA sequences for that protein.

In this exercise, students will explore the structure of a DNA repair protein found in most species, including bacteria. DNA repair proteins move along DNA strands, checking for mistakes or damage. DNA glycosylases, a specific type of DNA repair protein, recognize DNA bases that have been chemically altered and remove them, leaving a site in the DNA without a base. Other proteins then come along to fill in the missing DNA base.

Fundamentals of Biology focuses on the basic principles of biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and recombinant DNA. These principles are necessary to understanding the basic mechanisms of life and anchor the biological knowledge that is required to understand many of the challenges in everyday life, from human health and disease to loss of biodiversity and environmental quality.

Sample Learning Goals
Explain the main sequence of events that occur within a cell that leads to protein synthesis.
Predict how changing the concentrations and interactions of biomolecules affects protein production.
Explain how protein production in a single cell relates to the quantity produced by a collection of cells.

This resource is an exploration that allows the student to travel to the tiny world of DNA. Students can zoom into 15 different levels to see DNA's relationship to humans as a whole.

This lesson uses the fundamentals of protein synthesis as a context for investigating the closest living relative to Tyrannosaurus rex and evaluating whether or not paleontologist and dinosaur expert, Jack Horner, will be able to "create" live dinosaurs in the lab. The first objective is for students to be able to access and properly utilize the NIH's protein sequence database to perform a BLAST, using biochemical evidence to determine T rex's closest living relative. The second objective is for students to be able to explain and evaluate Jack Horner's plans for creating live dinosaurs in the lab.

Giving us credit when you use our content and technology is not just important for legal reasons. When you provide attribution to CK-12 Foundation, you support the ability of our non-profit organization to make great educational experiences available to students around the world.Our Creative Commons License welcomes you to use our content and technology when you give us attribution. If you have any questions about our policies, contact us at support@ck12.org

In this lesson, students will explain that amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They will understand that there are 20 different amino acids, discuss the properties of polar (hydrophilic, negatively charged/acidic or positively charged/basic) and non-polar (hydrophobic, uncharged) side chains (R-groups) of these amino acids. Students will demonstrate the secondary folding (alpha helices and beta pleated sheets) and tertiary folding of peptides. They will also demonstrate that protein tertiary structure is created when the secondary structures fold and form bonds to stabilize the structure into a unique shape.

This advanced lesson describes the role of mutations in the birth and death of genes. Questions challenge students to synthesize information and apply what they learn regarding how genes are gained and lost through evolutionary time. Background information, examples, video clips, and animations are also included.

Students analyze amino acid data and draw conclusions about the evolution of coat color phenotypes in different rock pocket mouse populations.

In this lesson plan, students arrange sets of cards to show their understanding of the process of biomedical research. Students see how basic research may lead to studies involving both animals and humans and may culminate in the availability of new treatments and medications.

Protein SynthesisGiving us credit when you use our content and technology is not just important for legal reasons. When you provide attribution to CK-12 Foundation, you support the ability of our non-profit organization to make great educational experiences available to students around the world.Our Creative Commons License welcomes you to use our content and technology when you give us attribution. If you have any questions about our policies, contact us at support@ck12.org

The student will use knowledge they have learned through direct instruction to illustrate the creation and copying of the molecular structure of DNA and RNA. They will accomplish this by creating a comic strip and/or storyboard that graphically describes transcription and translation.

This brief video lesson describes DNA and its role and importance in living organisms. This is a very comprehensive overview of how DNA determines form and function, manages protein synthesis within individuals, and ultimately drives evolution. Discussion/assessment questions and suggested supplemental resources are also included.