BIO 12 UNIT 06: Protein Synthesis
BCLN – Rev. July, 2015
Name: ___________________
Project 1: Code Breakers and Makers
Potential Credits:
/15
Project Goals:
 to practice translating the genetic code from mRNA, tRNA and DNA to amino acids
Instructions:
 Please read the Unit 6 Lesson, Protein Synthesis, paying particular attention to how
translation and the genetic code works.
 For Part 1, please use the codon table provided below, with the single letter amino acid
abbreviations, to break the coded message. The coded message is given and then work
space is provided for you to decode the message. Please show all of your work!
 For Part 2, please create your own scenario and coded message. Be sure that the coded
message includes at least:
o 5 letters coded for by a template DNA sequence
o 5 letters coded for by an mRNA sequence
o 5 letters coded for by a tRNA sequence
o a solution to the code
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BIO 12 UNIT 06: Protein Synthesis
BCLN – Rev. July, 2015
THE CODON TABLE.
This codon table allows you to directly translate from an mRNA sequence to an amino acid
sequence. The amino acid's full name and single letter abbreviation is given
=N
=K
=H
=D
=Q
=T
=P
=Y
=E
=A
=S
=C
=S
=R
=G
=R
=I
=W
=L
=V
=F
=L
=M
Part 1: Breaking the Coded Message
Last week Dr. D. Enay was mysteriously kidnapped. Now the IBI (Intergalactic Bureau of
Investigation) has received the ransom note below. The IBI has asked you, Dr. D. Enay’s lab
technician, to look at the note to determine if there are any clues as to who has taken the Doctor.
You immediately recognize that the Doctor has used the sequences to code a message and that all
you need to do is to translate the message using the genetic code and the single letter
abbreviations for the corresponding amino acids.
Please use the next page to decode the message and to save Dr. D. Enay and countless citizens.
Please show all of your work so that the IBI can use it to break any future codes.
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BIO 12 UNIT 06: Protein Synthesis
BCLN – Rev. July, 2015
To the IBI,
My captors are demanding receipt of all the alien DNA samples being held at the MNU.
As well, I need the following sequences made:
mRNA:
5'GAU
CGU UGA AAU GAA UUU UAG GCU AGG AUU GCG AGU3'
template DNA: 3'GGT GAC CGT TTG CTC TGT ACT AGA TAT GAT TAG ACG CGG5'
tRNA’s:
3'GUG
CUU GAG GGU AUU5’
You have 24 hours to prepare the samples. My captors will then contact you with
details of the exchange. Failure to comply will result in the destruction of a major
public building.
Sincerely,
D. Enay
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BIO 12 UNIT 06: Protein Synthesis
BCLN – Rev. July, 2015
DECODED MESSAGE
mRNA Sequence
mRNA
5'
GAU
CGU
UGA
AAU
GAA
UUU
UAG
GCU
AGG
AUU
GCG
AGU3'
aa
template DNA Sequence
DNA
3''
GGT
GAC
CGT
TTG
CTC
TGT
ACT
_____
_____
tRNA Sequence
tRNA
5'
GUG
CUU
GAG
GGU
AUU5'
_____
_____
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AGA
TAT
GAT
TAG
ACG
CGG5'
BIO 12 UNIT 06: Protein Synthesis
BCLN – Rev. July, 2015
Part 2: Making the Coded Message
You may choose to use the grid below for rough work or you may choose to do your rough work
on a separate page. Either way, please submit a coded message following the criteria listed in
the instructions section above. You will have to do the reverse process of Part 1 to create your
code such that you start with the amino acid sequence, go to the mRNA sequence and then,
where appropriate, go the template DNA or tRNA sequences. When you present the final coded
message you should just present the mRNA, template DNA and tRNA sequences on one page
and the solution on a separate page. Please note that you have been provided with space for
words longer than 5 letters if needed. As well, you may wish to have a message that is more than
three words long however, that is up to you to determine.
______________ Sequence = Final Coding Sequence
AA
_____
_____
______________ Sequence = Final Coding Sequence
AA
_____
_____
______________ Sequence = Final Coding Sequence
AA
_____
_____
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BIO 12 UNIT 06: Protein Synthesis
BCLN – Rev. July, 2015
Marking Guide:
 Part 1: Breaking the Coded Message
 Part 2: Making the Coded Message
Total =
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/5
/10
/15