1. Codon Wheel/tRNA passer mRNA mover
In a group of 4, you are also the Recorder
Determine the codon, anticodon, and amino acid for the first codon in the P site. Tell the tRNA maker and the Recorder.
For each subsequent codon, pass the codon wheel in this order: Recorder, tRNA maker, mRNA mover, Protein Builder
Pass each anticodon loop from the tRNA maker to the Protein builder
mRNA mover
Move the mRNA strand across the ribosome at the appropriate times
Announce the colors, in order, of the K’nex pieces in the P site at step 1. At subsequent steps, announce the colors in the A site.
Determine the codon, anticodon, and amino acid when the codon wheel comes to you. Tell the tRNA maker and the Recorder.
Protein builder
Receive anticodon loops from the tRNA passer
Place the anticodon loop at the P or A site so that the anticodon letters match up with the K’nex pieces. Verify that these form correct base pairs (A-U or G-C).
When the second codon moves to the P site, attach the first and second amino acids and remove the first anticodon loop from the model. Repeat for each subsequent movement of the mRNA across the ribosome
Determine the codon, anticodon, and amino acid when the codon wheel comes to you. Tell the tRNA maker and the Recorder
Recorder
Make sure that you have the worksheet
Record each students’ name
Cut strips of tape for the tRNA maker
At each step, record the codon, anticodon, and amino acid announced
Determine the codon, anticodon, and amino acid when the codon wheel comes to you. Tell the tRNA maker and record what you determined.
tRNA maker
Cut slits on opposite sides of paper strips on the solid marks
Record announced anticodon in the blocks on a paper strip
Fold the strip into a tRNA anticodon loop and secure by interlocking slits
Choose a pop bead to represent the announced amino acid, and attach it to the loop with tape
Pass the anticodon loop to the tRNA passer to give to the Protein builder
Determine the codon, anticodon, and amino acid when the codon wheel comes to you. Tell the tRNA maker and the Recorder.