The Flow of Genetic Information Kit will let your students model DNA replication using color-coded, foam nucleotides and a placemat, model RNA transcription as they copy one strand of DNA into mRNA using an RNA polymerase and model protein synthesis/ translation as they decode the mRNA into protein on the ribosome placemat.
Find information about the contents of your Flow of Genetic Information Kit© and directions for assembling the pieces so you and your students can start exploring DNA replication, RNA transcription and translation/protein synthesis.
This activity guide will help you consider different ways you may use these materials. We encourage you to modify these lessons and activities to meet the learning objectives and needs of your specific students.
The Replication Student Handout introduces students to the process of DNA replication. They use foam pieces and a placemat to model the replication of the leading and lagging strands of DNA.
The Transcription Student Handout introduces students to the process of transcription. They use foam pieces and a placemat to model the transcripton of a DNA template into a single-stranded RNA molecule.
The Translation Student Handout introduces students to the process of translation. They use foam pieces and a placemat to model the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.
Explore a variety of videos to enhance your use of the Flow of Genetic Information Kit and classroom study of replication, transcription and translation.
Students can build a nucleotide, compare different representations of DNA, form base pairs and answer thought questions.
A list of some excellent DNA-related websites to help you make the most of the Flow of Genetic Information Kit’s© lessons and activities.
"Molecular Structure of Nucleic Acids: A Structure for Deoxyribose Nucleic Acids" by James Watson and Francis Crick, published in the April 25, 1953 issue of Nature, describes the structure of double-stranded DNA.