Crack the genetic code with this lab. TranslationLab reveals the importance of the nucleotide sequence of mRNA as the fundamental basis for the genetic code universally deciphered by living cells. Students produce sequences of ribonucleotides that will be translated into protein to simulate the landmark experiments involving cell-free extracts that were essential for interpreting and understanding the genetic code. Students create different simple RNA sequences and then translate the sequences in a virtual in vitro translation mix. From the proteins produced by the translation mix, some of the characteristics of the genetic code can be determined, thereby "cracking" the code.

The purpose of this laboratory is to:

• Study the relationship between the nucleotide sequence of a mRNA molecule and protein synthesis.

• Simulate pioneering experiments that were used to delineate the genetic code.

• Demonstrate how a mutation in the nucleotide sequence of a mRNA molecule results in a change in the amino acid sequence of a protein.