Name______Date______Class______

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Proteins From a Double Helix

In this Chapter Project, you will explore the structure of DNA and develop a presentation about how DNA is involved in the production of proteins. The discovery of the structure of DNA was one of the great advancements in biology during the twentieth century. In this project, you’ll gain insight into why that discovery was so important.

First, you will work with a group to plan and build a model of a DNA molecule. Then, your group will develop a presentation that explains how DNA molecules are involved in protein synthesis within cells. Finally, your group will show the model and make the presentation of protein synthesis to the class.

Project Rules

•Complete Project Worksheet 1 on your own, and then share it with your group as you plan the model of a DNA molecule.

•Plan and build a model of a DNA molecule with your group using materials of your choice. Your model should be accurate in its representation of a DNA molecule, and it should have at least ten rungs on its ladder.

•Complete Project Worksheet 2 on your own, and then share it with your group as you plan a presentation about the process of protein synthesis.

•Develop a presentation showing the steps of protein synthesis. Your presentation should be clear, logical, and complete. The method of presentation is up to you and your group. For example, you can make a poster, film a video, use a computer presentation program, write an illustrated report, or another method of your choice. Get your teacher’s approval of the method you choose before proceeding.

•You will make a presentation to the class in which you will show your explanation of the process of protein synthesis.

Suggested Materials

•Poster board, markers, colored pencils

•Paper for model building

•Objects found in the classroom or brought from home

Name______Date______Class______

Project Hints for Building a Model of DNA

•As you plan to build a model of DNA, you may want to make a detailed and labeled sketch of the molecule. Write out the sequence of bases you’ll use on each side of the molecule.

•Begin thinking about your model by drawing the basic shapes you’ll need: a deoxyribose molecule, a phosphate molecule, and a nitrogen base.

Use the illustrations in your text or provided by your teacher as references for making these shapes.

•Make sure you use a different color for each part of a DNA molecule.

•You may want to use a marker to label each part of your DNA molecule.

•Keep in mind that a DNA molecule is in the shape of a double helix—like a twisted ladder. Your model should have that shape.

Project Hints for Presenting Protein Synthesis

•Your first task in developing a presentation of protein synthesis is to decide as a group how you will present the information. Discuss what information needs to be presented as well as the various methods each of you has used before. Consider several methods before finally deciding on the method you will use. Ask your teacher for advice if necessary.

•Write an outline of all the information you want in your presentation. Work with your group and make sure the outline includes every step of protein synthesis. Your outline will serve as the basis of your oral presentation.

•The success of your presentation may partly depend on what illustrations you include. They should clearly illustrate the steps in the process, and they should be labeled to help the viewers understand each step.

Project Timeline

TaskDue Date

1.Complete Project Worksheet 1______

2.Complete DNA model______

3.Complete Project Worksheet 2______

4.Finish work on the presentation______

5.Make presentation to the class______

Name______Date______Class______

PROJECT WORKSHEET 1

Building a Model of DNA

As you think about building your model, you need to understand what DNA is and the structure of DNA. Answer the following questions to help you understand the structure of the DNA molecule.

1.What is the relationship among chromosomes, DNA, and genes?

2.Describe the shape of a DNA molecule.

3.Why is the order of nitrogen bases along a gene important?

4.How do the nitrogen bases in DNA always pair up?

Your model can be made from various materials, but it should have different colors representing different parts of DNA. Before building your model, complete the table below.

Basic Part of DNA / Description / Color in Model
Deoxyribose / 5.
6. / A molecule that alternates with deoxyribose molecules along the sides of a DNA double helix
Adenine / 7.
8. / One of the nitrogen bases that make up the rungs of DNA; represented by the capital letter T
Guanine / 9.
10. / One of the nitrogen bases that make up the rungs of DNA; represented by the capital letter C

Name______Date______Class______

PROJECT WORKSHEET 2

Understanding Protein Synthesis

In this Chapter Project, you will work with your group to develop a presentation on protein synthesis. Your presentation should be clear, logical, and complete so that everyone watching will understand. This worksheet will help you plan your presentation.

1.Describe the structure of a protein molecule.

2.What is protein synthesis?

3.What is RNA, and what is its role in protein synthesis?

4.What are the two types of RNA, and what are their functions in protein synthesis?

For each of the following sentences, fill in the blank with the correct term.

5.Protein synthesis begins in the cell’s, where the chromosomes arefound.

6.After DNA unzips between its base pairs, one of the strands of DNA directs the production of a strand of .

7.In the production of a strand of mRNA, adenine pairs with______,not thymine.

8.After a strand of mRNA is produced, the mRNA leaves the nucleus and enters the______

9.The mRNA in the cytoplasm attaches to a cell organelle called a(n)______.

10.Molecules of______and their amino acids attach to the mRNA.

11.The______of tRNA pair with bases of mRNA.

12.On the ribosome,______are linked together and form a

growing chain.

13.The order of the amino acids on the ribosome is determined by the order of the three-base codes on the______.

14.Once an amino acid is added to the chain, the______is released and picks upanother amino acid of the same kind.

Name______Date______Class______

SCORING RUBRIC

Proteins From a Double Helix

In evaluating how well you complete the Chapter Project, your teacher will judge your work in four categories. In each, a score of 4 is the best rating.

4 / 3 / 2 / 1
Understanding of DNA Structure and Protein Synthesis / Student demonstrates a mastery of DNA structure and protein synthesis. / Student demonstrates a good understanding of DNA structure and protein synthesis. / Student demonstrates an understanding of most concepts of DNA structure and protein synthesis. / Student demonstrates little understanding of DNA structure and protein synthesis.
Planning and Building a DNA Model / Student takes a lead in planning and building an excellent model of a DNA molecule. / Student participates fully in planning and building an excellent model of a DNA molecule. / Student participates in most aspects of planning and building a model of a DNA molecule. / Student minimally participates in planning and building a model of a DNA molecule.
Developing a Presentation / Student develops a presentation of protein synthesis that is clear, logical, and complete. / Student develops a presentation of protein synthesis that is reasonably clear and complete. / Student develops a presentation of protein synthesis that is fairly clear and mostly complete. / Student develops a presentation of protein synthesis that is unclear and/or incomplete.
Making the Presentation / Student makes a thorough and well-organized presentation of protein synthesis. / Student makes an organized presentation of protein synthesis. / Student makes an adequate but not well-organized presentation of protein synthesis. / Student gives an incomplete and/or disorganized presentation of protein synthesis.