Codon Protein Builder

Codon Protein Builder lets students type an mRNA sequence by clicking the bases A, U, G and C or pressing the keys. Each time three bases are entered, the ribosome reads the codon, a tRNA with the matching anticodon delivers an amino acid, and the protein chain grows. Translation begins at AUG for methionine and stops at UAA, UAG or UGA. Readouts show the last codon, the protein so far, its length and approximate mass. A random gene button, an Undo base button and a fast ribosome toggle help. It teaches translation and the genetic code.

• Click A, U and G to start with the start codon AUG and see the first amino acid added.
• Type a second codon and watch the tRNA bring its amino acid to the ribosome.
• Enter UAA, UAG or UGA and watch the ribosome stop and release the protein.
• Press Type a random gene to see a full translation and then Undo base to step back.
• Switch on Fast ribosome and compare the length and mass readout for different genes.

1. 1Describe how mRNA codons specify amino acids during translation.
2. 2Identify the start codon AUG and the three stop codons.
3. 3Translate a short mRNA sequence into an amino acid chain.
4. 4Explain the role of tRNA and the ribosome in building proteins.

Preguntas frecuentes de los docentes