Protein Synthesis Lab: DNA Replication, Transcription, and Translation
Grade Level: 10th Grade
Objective:
Students will understand the processes of protein synthesis, including DNA replication,
transcription, and translation, by modeling these processes. Students will also learn the
importance of each step in synthesizing proteins necessary for cellular function.
Materials Needed:
● DNA model kits (or paper templates)
● RNA nucleotides (colored beads or paper cutouts)
● Ribosome model (or a simple diagram)
● Amino acid cards
● Scissors and glue (if using paper models)
● Lab notebooks
● Safety goggles
● Instructions handout
Safety Precautions:
● Ensure students wear safety goggles throughout the lab.
● Handle all materials responsibly and clean up after the lab.
● Follow all school safety guidelines.
Procedure:
1. Introduction (10 minutes):
○ Briefly discuss the central dogma of molecular biology: DNA → RNA →
Protein.
○ Introduce key terms: DNA replication, transcription, and translation.
2. DNA Replication (15 minutes):
○ Objective: Understand how DNA is copied.
○ Use the DNA model kits to demonstrate how DNA strands are separated and
replicated.
○ Students will pair complementary nucleotides (A-T, G-C) to create a new
strand.
○ Reflection Question: Why is DNA replication important for cell division?
3. Transcription (15 minutes):
○ Objective: Convert DNA into mRNA.
○ Show how the DNA template is used to form mRNA using RNA nucleotides (A-
U, G-C).
○ Students will create a short mRNA strand from a DNA template.
○ Reflection Question: How does transcription ensure the correct message is
sent to the ribosomes?
4. Translation (20 minutes):
○ Objective: Translate mRNA into a protein sequence.
○ Using the ribosome model, guide students through the process of translation,
matching mRNA codons with tRNA anticodons.
○ Students will use amino acid cards to build a polypeptide chain according to
the mRNA sequence.
○ Reflection Question: How do changes in the mRNA sequence affect the
protein produced?
5. Conclusion and Cleanup (10 minutes):
○ Discuss the importance of accurate protein synthesis in the cell.
○ Review the steps of the lab and their biological significance.
○ Ensure all materials are returned and the area is clean.
Assessment:
● Lab Report: Students will submit a lab report including each step with observations
and answers to reflection questions.
● Quiz: A short quiz on the key concepts of DNA replication, transcription, and
translation.
Standards Addressed:
1. NGSS HS-LS1-1: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of
DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of
life through systems of specialized cells.
2. NGSS HS-LS3-1: Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and
chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents
to offspring.
Note to Educators:
Please review all materials and instructions prior to the lab to ensure comprehension and
safety. Encourage students to ask questions if they are unclear about any part of the
process.
