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Cool Tool: Clothesline Translation
Type: Model, Activity
Topic: Translation
Grade Level: High School
Contributor: Randy James
School: North Central High School, Spokane School District, Spokane, WA
Purpose: To show how translation works by illustrating physically the roles of mRNA, tRNAs, and amino acids in the process. (Note: a similar strategy can be used to illustrate transcription.)
Materials: Two lengths of clothesline, long enough to stretch across the room. Pieces of 8.5" x 11" paper folded in half with the mRNA sequence of b-globin (or another protein) written on them, 3 bases per paper. More pieces of folded paper with amino acids written on them. Additional papers, a different color if desired, that specify the individual tRNAs. Keys for genetic code.
Methods: The two clotheslines are stretched across the room, one above the other about one foot apart. Hang the folded papers specifying the b-globin mRNA over the top clothesline. In groups, students find the correct tRNAs for the mRNA triplets and attach the tRNAs to the amino acid folded papers. Students then bring the tRNA-amino acid complexes to the clothesline and hang them over the lower clothesline so that they align with the mRNA sequence above. Start at the 5í end of the coding sequence with the initiating methionine of the protein and assemble the amino acid in order through the C terminus and stop codon.
Classroom Use: Use this activity to solidify studentsí understanding of translation.
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last updated 10/02/00