VariableVista

Interactive models for cause and effect

MOLECULAR QUALITY-CONTROL LAB

GeneWorks: DNA to Protein

Build the genetic message, translate its codons, and trace how a molecular error changes a protein and its function.

Investigation question How can a change at one step affect the final protein?
Mode Guided Lab
Stage Process Order
Guided stages 0/6 complete
Case files 0/5 solved

INFORMATION FLOW

Order the cellular events

5′ start 3′ end

Download Investigation Worksheet

REFERENCE TOOL

mRNA Codon Chart

Read each mRNA codon from 5′ to 3′. Stop codons do not carry an amino acid.

TEACHER NOTES

Using GeneWorks

Suggested use

Use the Guided Lab for initial instruction, Case Files for evidence-based diagnosis, and Mutation Lab for open investigation or assessment.

NGSS connection

HS-LS1-1: Students construct explanations for how DNA structure determines protein structure and cellular function.

Scientific boundaries

The model uses short coding sequences. RNA processing, regulation, introns, untranslated regions, and three-dimensional folding are not modeled. Function labels are evidence-based predictions, not experimental conclusions.

Key misconception checks

Not every mutation changes a protein. Start-loss, stop-loss, and stop-retained changes differ from ordinary missense or silent substitutions. Stop codons do not encode amino acids, and translation links amino acids rather than creating them.

Show guided answer sequence
  1. DNA strands separate at a protein-coding region.
  2. RNA polymerase builds a complementary RNA transcript.
  3. After RNA processing, which is not shown, mature mRNA exits the nucleus.
  4. A ribosome reads the mRNA in codons.
  5. tRNAs deliver amino acids.
  6. The amino-acid chain folds and performs a function.

Shared-device reset

Clear all saved guided stages, case responses, and mutation history before a new student begins.