Describe the process of transcription: unwinding, complimentary base pairing and separation.

Unwinding: The first step of transcription is the unwinding and unzipping of the DNA double helix. The process unwinding of the DNA strand is performed by an enzyme called the helicase.

Complimentary base pairing: The second step of transcription is the base pairing of DNA nucleotides with their complimentary RNA bases, formed together with a hydrogen bond. This process is performed with the help of the RNA polymerase.

Separation: The third step of transcription begins when the mRNA molecule is modified and is able to leave the nucleus to enter the cytoplasm. The DNA molecule is able to rewind into it’s double helix shape as the RNA separates.

How did today’s activity do a good job of modelling the process of transcription? In what ways was our model inaccurate?

I feel that the model demonstrated a good example of the process of transcription. It was a clear visual activity that pe rsonally helped me better understand the function of each step. I believe that what made the model inaccurate is that the activity was made from paper, making the model 2D rather than working with a fully 3D representation of the molecules.

Describe the process of translation: initiation, elongation and termination.

Initiation: The first step of translation is initiated by the ribosome holding the mRNA strand. The start codon of the mRNA strand (AUG) is read by the “P-site”, which is connected to the complimentary tRNA with it’s anti-codon (UAC).

Elongation: The second step of translation is when the tRNA collides with the ribosome and binds at the “A-site”. This causes the tRNA on the “P-site” to detach from the ribosome, leaving space for the next tRNA to attach. This then causes for the amino acid chain to move to the new tRNA. leaving the old tRNA to leave the ribosome. This creates a long amino acid chain which will also create a protein.

Termination: The third step of translation begins when the ribosome reaches the “stop” codon on the mRNA. Since there is no tRNA anti-codon that compliments the “stop” codon, the tRNA releases the amino acid chain, causing termination of the process.

How did today’s activity do a good job of modelling the process of translation? In what was our model inaccurate?

I really enjoyed creating this model! This demonstration really helped me visualize the movement in each step. This model was inaccurate because we weren’t able to properly show the exact movement that is presented in termination.