Translation
Translation is the process of translating the sequence of a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule to a sequence of amino acids during protein synthesis. The genetic code describes the relationship between the sequence of base pairs in a gene and the corresponding amino acid sequence that it encodes. In the cell cytoplasm, the ribosome reads the sequence of the mRNA in groups of three bases to assemble the protein.

Materials for Translation
Animation
DNA to Protein
Description: Explore DNA and how proteins are made from it
- Source: The Concord Consortium
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- URL: http://concord.org/stem-resources/dna-protein
DNA to Protein - Transcription and Translation
Description: Explore how the code embedded in DNA is translated into a protein. Transcription of DNA and translation of mRNA are modeled.
- Source: The Concord Consortium
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- URL: http://concord.org/stem-resources/dna-protein-0
From DNA to Protein
Description: This 3D animation shows how proteins are made in the cell from the information in the DNA code.
- Source: Genome Research Limited and Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
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- URL: http://www.yourgenome.org/video/from-dna-to-protein
Modeling Translation
Description: Explore how a protein is made from an mRNA sequence
- Source: The Concord Consortium
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- URL: http://concord.org/stem-resources/modeling-translation
Protein Synthesis
Description: An animation of protein synthesis
- Source: Cengage Learning Inc.
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- URL: http://brookscole.cengage.com/chemistry_d/templates/student_resources/shared_resources/animations/protein_synthesis/protein_synthesis.html
The Central Dogma
Description: The Central Dogma of molecular biology is that DNA makes RNA and RNA makes protein. This animation shows how molecular machines transcribe the genes in the DNA of every cell into portable RNA messages, how those messenger RNA are modified and exported from the nucleus, and finally how the RNA code is read to build proteins.
- Source: RIKEN Omics Science Center
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- URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3HVVi2k2No
Translation - Making a Protein from Messenger RNA
Description: Translation is the key process for making a protein from the genetic code expressed in the DNA. Watch translation unfold in this animation.
- Source: The Concord Consortium
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- URL: http://mw.concord.org/modeler/showcase/simulation.html?s=http://mw2.concord.org/public/student/biomodels/replicate.html
Translation - RNA to protein, 3D animation
Description: View this colorful 2 minute 3D animation of translation. Includes animations of messenger RNA, ribosomes, ribosomal RNA, transfer RNA, amino acids, and protein.
- Source: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
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- URL: https://www.dnalc.org/view/15481-Translation-RNA-to-protein-3D-animation-with-no-audio.html
Articles/Research
The New Genetics - How Genes Work
Description: Information from a science education booklet explaining basic genetic concepts including DNA, RNA, transcription, RNA splicing, translation, ribosomes, antibiotics, genetic diseases, and gene chips
- Source: National Institute of General Medical Sciences
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- URL: http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/thenewgenetics/chapter1.html
What is the Central Dogma?
Description: The Central Dogma is the process by which the instructions in DNA are converted into a functional product. It was first proposed in 1958 by Francis Crick, discoverer of the structure of DNA.
- Source: Genome Research Limited and Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
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- URL: http://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-the-central-dogma
Games
Transcribe and Translate a Gene
Description: Learn about transcription and translation by playing this interactive game.
- Source: Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah
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- URL: http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/basics/transcribe/
Interactive Tutorials
Cell Transcription and Translation
Description: This interactive activity adapted from the University of Nebraska provides an overview of protein synthesis as well as a more detailed look at transcription and translation.
- Source: WGBH Educational Foundation
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- URL: http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/lsps07.sci.life.stru.celltrans/cell-transcription-and-translation/
DNA Sequence Editor Web App
Description: DNA Sequence Editor is a free web tool to analyze and edit your DNA sequence. Enter your DNA sequence and you can get the reverse, complementary or transcription sequence of your DNA. It can also translate your DNA sequence into possible amino acid sequences. It also help you to predict the DNA enzyme digestion result. Just select an enzyme from the list and you can get the size and sequence of each restricted DNA fragment. It is a useful web tool for molecular biology students and professionals. It is a great help for your molecular cloning work.
- Source: Biocourseware
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- URL: http://www.biocourseware.com/iphone/dnaseqeditor/index.htm
Genetic Decoder Web App
Description: A handy genetic code converter for students and researchers in biological sciences. Simply click to change DNA or RNA codons and related amino acid information will be displayed. User also can browse information by selecting an amino acid from the list. Converter (available only in iPad and desktop version) can translate any format of DNA or RNA into protein sequence. It is also suitable for students to grasp the key concept of genetic code.
- Source: Biocourseware
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- URL: http://www.biocourseware.com/iphone/genecode/index_pad.htm
Heredity - Genetics
Description: Video and practice problems teaching core concepts of genetics, including DNA replication, transcription, translation, and genetic inheritance
- Source: cK-12 Foundation
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- URL: http://braingenie.ck12.org/subjects/42
RNA is an Intermediary Between DNA and Protein
Description: An interactive Web site exploring basic concepts of RNA through historical discovery
- Source: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
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- URL: http://www.dnaftb.org/21/
Translating an mRNA Sequence
Description: A short interactive activity translating codons into amino acids
- Source: Annenberg Foundation
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- URL: http://www.learner.org/interactives/dna/engineering4.html
Teacher Resources
Breakfast Proteins
Description: Model the central dogma of molecular biology by constructing a colorful chain using a simple code (and some delicious cereal).
- Source: Exploratorium
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- URL: https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/breakfast-proteins
Reading DNA (PDF 313.02 KB, Lesson Plans/Lesson Activities)
Description: Students use edible models of the DNA molecule to transcribe an mRNA sequence, then translate it into a protein.
- Source: Genetics Science Learning Center at the University of Utah
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- URL: http://teach.genetics.utah.edu/content/dna/ReadingDNA.pdf
Secrete Codon
Description: With beads on a string, use the one-letter abbreviations for amino acids to make a secret message.
- Source: Exploratorium
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- URL: https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/secret-codon