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Learning Exercise

From DNA to Protein: Simulating Gene Expression and Protein Synthesis

Students will explore gene expression beginning with DNA in the nucleus, virtually transcribing it into mRNA and then synthesizing proteins using the MERLOT “Peptide and Protein Synthesis” simulation. This interactive lab models the foundational experiments that helped scientists decipher the genetic code. Students will practice identifying codons, matching them to amino acids, and assembling a peptide chain, reinforcing how transcription and translation lead to protein synthesis

Material:
Peptide and Protein Synthesis
Date last modified:
September 7, 2025
Created by:
Prince Okah
License:
creative-commons creative-commons by
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Peptide and Protein Synthesis

Peptide and Protein Synthesis

This site shows the condensation reaction involved in peptides and protein synthesis. see more

Material Type:
Simulation
Author:
Bruno Herreros, University of Southern California
User Rating:
5 stars

Exercise

Instructions for Students:

  1. Access the MERLOT “Peptide and Protein Synthesis” simulation.

  2. Begin with a DNA sequence in the nucleus and transcribe it into mRNA.

  3. Use the mRNA codons to identify matching tRNA anticodons and deliver the correct amino acids.

  4. Assemble the amino acids into a peptide chain.

  5. Record your codon–amino acid matches and final peptide sequence.

  6. Answer reflection questions:

    • What is the relationship between DNA, mRNA, and protein structure?

    • How does redundancy in the genetic code protect against mutations?

    • What happens if a codon is misread during translation?

Disciplines

Audience

Technical Notes

No installation required. Simulation runs in browser via MERLOT Virtual Labs.

Requirements

  • Internet access

  • Device capable of running the MERLOT simulation

  • Basic knowledge of DNA, RNA, and protein structure

Topics

  • Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

  • Transcription and Translation

  • The Genetic Code

  • Protein Structure and Function

Type of Task

Learning Objectives

By the end of this exercise, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the roles of DNA, mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes in protein synthesis.

  2. Transcribe a DNA sequence into mRNA and translate it into an amino acid sequence.

  3. Demonstrate how codons and anticodons match during translation.

  4. Explain how errors in transcription or translation may affect protein structure.

Assessment

Students will submit:

  • A completed codon–amino acid chart based on their assigned DNA sequence.

  • A written reflection answering the guiding questions.

  • Group discussion contributions (instructor observation).