Gene to Protein

Use the GTAC protein builder to perform transcription and translation on a small segment of DNA. Explore the properties of amino acids and the impacts of mutations on protein structure. Use your discoveries to describe why the genetic code is referred to as a universal triplet code that is degenerate. Each of these processes depend on the one before it. As you complete each part of these activities, the next activity will unlock.

Transcription

Look at the DNA and write the corresponding mRNA sequence, then check your answer using the slider:

Coding strand

Messenger RNA

Template strand

Translation

Using the mRNA codon wheel, determine and write the corresponding amino acid sequence using the single letter amino acid code. Check your answer using the slider:

Messenger RNA

Click and drag to rotate the codon wheel

Amino Acid Properties

Amino acid structures and properties determine the way peptides and proteins fold into their tertiary structures. Using the key or interactive "Amino acids: Structures, Properties and Sequence" below, determine the characteristics that correspond to the amino acids. Check your answer using the slider:

Amino Acid Sequence

Amino acid properties

Positive Charge

Negative Charge

Hydrophilic

Hydrophobic

Neutral Charge

Property	Amino Acids
Positive Charge	H, K, R
Negative Charge	D, E
Hydrophilic	N, Q, S, T, Y
Hydrophobic	A, C, F, I, L, M, V, W
Neutral	G, P

GTAC Protein Builder

Transcription

Translation

Amino Acid Properties

Amino Acid and Protein Structure