An Illustrated DNA TaleA Comical Guide to Protein Synthesis

Assignment OverviewFinal Product Getting There

A comic strip or graphic novel

Tells the tale of “protein synthesis” via words illustrations

1. Identify key science terms

2.Replace terms Brainstorm

ideas with table group

3.Create story line4.Sketch out ideas5.Fill out the 8

panels

Protein Synthesis Steps1.DNA is located in the nucleus of the cell. 2.The sequence of DNA nucleotides forms the genetic code. 3.RNA polymerase separates the 2 strands of DNA and then

matches an RNA nucleotide to each DNA nucleotide. 4.This chain of RNA nucleotides forms a molecule of

messenger RNA, or mRNA. 5.Then RNA leaves the nucleus. 6.A ribosome assembles around the mRNA 7.The ribosome reads the sequence of codons in the mRNA

and matches a transfer RNA, or tRNA, molecule to each codon.

8.The ribosome assembles the amino acids brought by the tRNA into a chain.

9.The finished chain of amino acids is a protein.

New TermPolymeraseAn enzyme used in the formation of a particular polymer

TermsAmino Acids Cell Codon DNA

Messenger RNA Molecule mRNA Nucleotid

esNucleus Polymera

se Protein Ribosome

RNA Transfer RNA tRNA  

Replacing TermsOriginal

Becomes

DNA is located in the nucleus of the cell.

DNA is located in the nucleus of the cell. BecomesGeorge is located in the center of the city.Malinda Mermaid is located in the under the sea in Atlantis.

Or

In assigned table group.1. Agree on important key

terms about DNA, RNA & protein synthesis.

2. Creatively brainstorm non-science storyline paralleling the protein synthesis process.

3. Edit each statement by replacing those key terms & words until the group has a story line (not a full story).

Original The sequence of DNA

nucleotides forms the genetic code.

Edit The sequence of DNA

nucleotides forms the genetic code.”

Revised The sequence of events

formed the new alliance between the once bitter enemies.

Planning: Writing the Tale

Brainstorm Storyline1.Brainstorm 2 or 3 key concepts. 2.Begin tying the ideas together

creating a non-science storyline.

3.Story should parallel the protein synthesis process.

What to do nowEdit Protein Synthesis StepsExample:Original

The sequence of DNA nucleotides forms the genetic code.

EditThe sequence of DNA nucleotides forms the genetic code.”

RevisedThe sequence of storm events formed the town’s new water front.

In assigned table group.

1. Determine the writers & artists within your group.

2. Divide the work of creating a comic strip or graphic novel equally between group.

3. You must use convey the ideas of protein synthesis process without using scientific terms.

Original DNA is located in the

nucleus of the cellEdit

DNA is located in the nucleus of the cell

Revised The navy seal’s boat is

located in the heart of the harbor.

Writing & Drawing the tale

Drawing Examples

Drawing Examples

Protein Synthesis

Protein Synthesis

Transcription

Translation