Transcription model This involves the transcription of DNA to mRNA. During this step, RNA polymerase attaches to the DNA strand, unwinding the double helix, and as it moves along, it synthesizes a complementary mRNA chain from the DNA template. Base pairing rules are followed: adenine (A) with uracil (U), rather than thymine, and cytosine (C) with guanine (G). The mRNA strand then carries the genetic code out of the nucleus to be used for protein synthesis in the ribosome.

The translation model shows how the mRNA can be translated to make a protein. The mRNA strand is threaded through a ribosome, in which each one of the tRNA molecules is bringing specific amino acids to match each codon on the mRNA. Each tRNA has an anticodon that is uniquely paired with a codon on the mRNA. This ensures that the amino acids come in the correct order so they can eventually form a polypeptide chain, which then folds into a functional protein.

Reflection

These models will help me visualize the process of transcription and translation more easily because it will show just how exactly genetic information is converted into proteins. Through physically following each step with the models, I can trace the sequence of base-pair matching and see how the genetic code is systematically translated into amino acids, reinforcing my understanding of the process.