In Anatomy & Physiology 12, we recently learned about protein synthesis and related ideas. We modeled a 3D version using paper and markers.
There are two main steps in protein synthesis: transcription and translation, and I will be exploring both below.
Transcription consists of three steps: unwinding/unzipping, complementary base pairing, and separation from DNA. Unwinding/Unzipping is the first step that involves the undoing of the double helix shape using DNA helicase, this leaves two strands for mRNA to attach to and start reading. Complementary base pairing is done after the initial reading of DNA. mRNA then pairs nucleotides with its pairing in order to transcribe the message on that particular strand. A photo from our complementary base pairing is below. Lastly, there is the separation from DNA as the mRNA needs to deliver the recently transcribed message to the ribosome.
Translation also consists of three steps: initiation, elongation, and termination. Initiation is when mRNA binds to a small ribosome subunit as two ribosome subunits bind together, thus initiating translation. Elongation is the adding of translated amino acids in the correct order that they are found, this continues until termination. A photo from this process is below. Termination is a simple step, when a STOP codon is read, the chain of amino acids is released. The polypeptide you are left with is now a protein.
Using a 3D model (such as the one above) is an effective way to visually understand both processes. In some ways the model was accurate, such as having correctly paired bases and such, although things became misrepresented as 1) there was no knowledge or understanding of mutations from this model and 2) it was difficult to set up the correct sides as 3′ and 5′. It got tricky as if you made a minor mistake in the beginning, your outcome would be effected greatly. Our group also was a day behind, so our understanding was lacking. Having a visual model did help regain our understanding, though. In order to better understand the process, I would recommend that we have the correct amount of materials needed as well as understanding the molecules and functions behind them. We felt that the amount of information was overwhelming due to the time given, although with collaboration, we were able to put some things together.
I believe that models are very much effective in teaching the public about scientific findings. Models give for an opporunity to visually understanding and conceptualize an idea, as well as opportunities for self-lead learning and collaboration. Although sometimes models can leave information out, or come off confusing if not done correctly.