A gene is a section of a DNA molecule that codes for a specific protein. We have thousands of genes in each of our body cells. As we have discussed in the past, DNA determines the characteristics (behaviors and traits) of an organism. It does this task by specifying the amino acid sequences (and therefore the structure and function) of its proteins. When a gene is made into a protein we say that the gene has been expressed. You can use the model kit to examine the mechanism by which gene expression – or protein synthesis – occurs.

Protein Synthesis is divided into two major processes: Transcription and Translation.

Transcription is the process by which a gene is transcribed into mRNA. You can learn about this process by using the molecular model kit and this set of directions.

Translation is the process by which the mRNA transcript is used to synthesize a polypeptide. You can learn about this process by using the model kit and this set of directions. You will also want this codon chart.