DNA and protein modeling
Model transcription and translation following an SOP and introduce a mutation to observe its effect.
Lab notebook entry: original DNA template strand, mRNA transcription, original amino acid sequence (with codon chart citations), mutated sequence after the point mutation, mutation type classification with justification, and one model limitation.
- 1Do thisModel transcription and translation following an SOP and introduce a mutation to observe its effect.
- 2Use this resource
- 3Submit thisLab report: Lab notebook entry: original DNA template strand, mRNA transcription, original amino acid sequence (with codon chart citations), mutated sequence after the point mutation, mutation type classification with justification, and one model limitation.
- 4Submit it here
- 1CMSD website. Go to clevelandmetroschools.org and click the Clever button.
- 2Clever. Clever opens. Sign in if it asks.
- 3Microsoft (district) login. Use your district Microsoft account (the one for school).
- 4Schoology. Open Schoology, then your class, then Assignments, and find the file named below.
The file to submit is named: Principles of Biomedical Technology (Principles of Biomedical Science) › Unit 2.2 Decoding a Diagnosis: DNA, chromosomes, genes, proteins, protein synthesis, mutation, inheritance. › Lab reportOpen Schoology
- CER:
- Claim, Evidence, Reasoning — make a claim, back it with evidence, explain your reasoning.
- SOP:
- Standard Operating Procedure — the exact steps to follow (especially in a lab).
- Tracker:
- Your PLTW progress log where you record completed evidence.
- myPLTW:
- The PLTW course site where you do the online activities — you open it through Schoology.
Minute-by-minute · 80-minute block
💡 Big idea: Modeling transcription and translation with physical materials makes the abstract central dogma concrete and reveals exactly where a point mutation disrupts protein production.
- 0:00Quick review of Tuesday's pre-lab: confirm template sequences; check codon chart is accessible
- 0:10Transcription: write the mRNA sequence complementary to the template; verify against a partner before proceeding
- 0:22Translation: use the codon chart to identify each amino acid; write the full original amino acid sequence
- 0:38Mutation: change one specified base in the DNA template; re-transcribe and re-translate; record the new amino acid sequence
- 0:56Classify the mutation type (silent, missense, or nonsense) and record in the notebook with justification
- 1:05Record one model limitation and one source of error; preview Thursday analysis
- • Today you are going to physically model the central dogma. You will use your pre-lab sequence, transcribe it to mRNA base by base, translate it to an amino acid sequence codon by codon, and then change one base and see what happens.
- • The codon chart is your decoder ring. Every three bases in the mRNA corresponds to exactly one amino acid, with two exceptions: start (AUG) and stop (UAA/UAG/UGA). Know those before you start.
- • The mutation is the heart of today's lab. You are going to discover for yourself whether a single base change is catastrophic, minor, or completely silent. The type of mutation determines the answer.
- • Read the SOP before you begin. Record every base pair as you write it. Do not skip steps and fill them in later, because errors compound quickly in a sequence model.
- 1Read the modeling SOP and set up a DNA template strand.
- 2Transcribe the template into mRNA, recording each base pair.
- 3Translate the mRNA into an amino acid sequence using a codon chart.
- 4Introduce a point mutation and re-translate to compare the protein.
- 5Record one limitation of the model and one source of error.
- • I can model transcription and translation accurately.
- • I can show how a mutation alters a protein.
- • In transcription, the template strand is read 3' to 5' and the mRNA is synthesized 5' to 3'; each DNA base pairs with its RNA complement (A with U, T with A, G with C, C with G).
- • In translation, each mRNA codon (triplet of bases) specifies one amino acid using the codon chart; a stop codon (UAA, UAG, UGA) terminates the chain.
- • A silent mutation changes the DNA but produces the same amino acid (due to codon degeneracy); a missense mutation changes one amino acid; a nonsense mutation introduces a premature stop codon.
Your PLTW work today
Unit 2.2 Decoding a Diagnosis: DNA, chromosomes, genes, proteins, protein synthesis, mutation, inheritance. · DNA and protein modeling
Day 3 of this lesson. Open this exact section in myPLTW (reached through Schoology), then do the work below.
Do this: In myPLTW, open the Lesson 2.2 Decoding a Diagnosis lab activity and record your original and mutated amino acid sequences.
Mark the Lesson 2.2 lab activity started in myPLTW and record your sequences.
You prepared your mutation plan Tuesday. By the end of today both the original and mutated sequences should be complete in your notebook.
Notebook page showing original DNA template, mRNA, original amino acid sequence, mutated sequence, and mutation type classification.
All PLTW activities are completed inside the PLTW course environment — this page only gives direction. Submit producibles on Schoology.
Today's PLTW tracker
Check things off as you work, then submit. This tells Mr. Mendoza how you're doing so he can help the class. It does not replace turning in your producible on Schoology.
Use the code Mr. Mendoza gave you, not your name. Saved on this device.
Unit 2.2 Decoding a Diagnosis: DNA, chromosomes, genes, proteins, protein synthesis, mutation, inheritance. · DNA and protein modeling
In myPLTW, open the Lesson 2.2 Decoding a Diagnosis lab activity and record your original and mutated amino acid sequences.
You prepared your mutation plan Tuesday. By the end of today both the original and mutated sequences should be complete in your notebook.
This is how Mr. Mendoza sees the class keeping pace with PLTW. Be honest, it only helps if it is accurate.
🎯 Model transcription and translation following an SOP and introduce a mutation to observe its effect.
- Read the modeling SOP and set up a DNA template strand.
- Transcribe the template into mRNA, recording each base pair.
- Translate the mRNA into an amino acid sequence using a codon chart.
- Introduce a point mutation and re-translate to compare the protein.
- Record one limitation of the model and one source of error.
Lab report: Lab notebook entry: original DNA template strand, mRNA transcription, original amino acid sequence (with codon chart citations), mutated sequence after the point mutation, mutation type classification with justification, and one model limitation.
Submit on SchoologyUpload by 11:29 PM for full credit.
| Task | Who |
|---|---|
| Read the modeling SOP and set up a DNA template strand. | _______ |
| Transcribe the template into mRNA, recording each base pair. | _______ |
| Translate the mRNA into an amino acid sequence using a codon chart. | _______ |
| Introduce a point mutation and re-translate to compare the protein. | _______ |
| Record one limitation of the model and one source of error. | _______ |
Working solo? Put your own name in "Who" for every row.
- I can model transcription and translation accurately.
- I can show how a mutation alters a protein.
Resources & readings
Hand-picked materials for this lesson. Class file items open the document directly; the rest are vetted readings and interactives from other biomedical programs.
Lab & supplies
- • This is a paper/physical modeling activity; standard classroom safety applies.
- • If using plastic model kit pieces, do not put small pieces in your mouth and store all pieces in their labeled bag at the end of class.
- • Handle scissors with care; pass them closed, handle-first.
- • Return all model materials to the designated storage location at the end of class so they are available for subsequent periods.
WebXam practice
Cumulative WebXam review
A quick mixed-review pulling questions from earlier units plus today, so the WebXam material stays fresh.
Where this leads — careers
What today's skills lead to. These are real health-science careers this course builds toward. Tap one to see, on the US Department of Labor's O*NET site, what the job actually involves, what it pays, and how fast it is growing.
What to do if you were absent
Use the virtual DNA/protein builder to transcribe and translate a gene, then introduce a point mutation and record the changed protein with one stated limitation.
learn.genetics Genetics BasicsThen submit your Lab report on Schoology.
Class still runs. Complete the online activity above (it's self-guided). Need the concept taught without a teacher? Use this authoritative explainer:
Learn.Genetics (University of Utah): DNA to protein- CompleteEvery required part of the artifact is present, nothing left blank.
- AccurateThe science and the data are correct and match the evidence.
- Scientific reasoningYou explain your claim with evidence and reasoning (CER), not just an answer.
- Professional communicationClear, organized, labeled, and written the way a clinician or scientist would.
- SubmittedTurned in the right way (Schoology for routine work) and confirmed.
Drop your Fri, Oct 16, 2026 · DNA and protein modeling here. Use a clear file name (your initials + project). Routine work still goes to Schoology (via the CMSD portal).
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