1. Video
3D visual

2. Building a Protein: Translation
EQ: What is the process of building a protein?

3. Transcription recap: Starts with the DNA code (in the nucleus)
RNA polymerase unzips the DNA and starts making mRNA from the DNA code
mRNA takes the copied code outside of the nucleus and goes into the ribosomes

4. What is translation?
Translation: the process of reading the codon (3 letters) and combining the right amino acids
Takes place in the cytoplasm where ribosomes are floating

5. For example: UCC-AGC-CGA-UUA-CCC- GGC-CUC-GAC….
What is a codon?
The ribosome (rRNA) reads the 3 letters of the mRNA at a time.
For example: UCC-AGC-CGA-UUA-CCC- GGC-CUC-GAC….
Codon: each 3 nucleotide (letters) of the mRNA.
One codon (3 letters) = 1 amino acid.

6. What is a codon? The first amino acid is always methionine
There are specific codons to tell the ribosomes to start and stop.
Start Codon: tells the ribosome to start adding amino acid (AUG) or methionine
The first amino acid is always methionine
Stop Codon: tells the ribosome that the protein is finished and to stop adding amino acids.
UAA, UAG, and UGA.

7. What does tRNA do?
tRNA is responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosomes
Each tRNA can only bring one specific amino acid.
Anticodon: complementary bases (3 letters) to the codon.
If the codon (mRNA) is CAG, the anticodon (tRNA) would be GUC.
Anticodon ensures the right amino acid is delivered when the mRNA is read.

8. What is an polypeptide chain?
The ribosome connects the amino acids together forming a peptide bond between them
The ribosome then breaks the bond between the tRNA and it’s amino acid, allowing the tRNA to float away
If everything went without error = no mutations!

9. Protein Synthesis Video
Amoeba Sisters