Module 7 Molecular Genetics
Lesson 3.7.3
Lesson 3—Protein Synthesis
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Get Focused
Have you got milk “issues”? Can’t eat or drink some dairy products? Many people are not able to drink dairy products because they contain lactose. One reason for the intolerance is that their bodies are not able to produce the enzyme lactase. Having the genetic code in our cells may not be enough. The instruction on our chromosomes must be expressed. The genes found on our chromosomes code for proteins that are needed for our survival. The gene for lactase and other proteins is expressed through a process called protein synthesis. We cannot survive without proteins. As was previously mentioned, some humans can’t make certain proteins, like lactase for instance. But what would happen if we could make extra proteins? For instance, like having the ability to make silk, as Spiderman does. Some goats in Quebec have that ability, maybe one day we will too!
This lesson will address the following focusing question:
- How is the genetic code in DNA copied and used to assemble amino acids into proteins?
This lesson should take approximately 90 minutes to complete.
Module 7: Lesson 3 Assignment
You will complete questions on a RNA and protein synthesis simulation and an assignment on transcription in reverse for assessment.
Once you have completed all of the learning activities for this lesson, you can complete the online assignment.
The other questions and activities in this lesson are not marked by the teacher; however, you should still attempt all of the work offered here. They are designed to help you review important information and build key concepts that may be applied in future lessons.
Here is a tutorial video for this lesson that you can watch if it suits your learning style.