Rodriguez1

Emmanuel Rodriguez
July 29, 2015
Anthro 1020
Project report

DNA and RNA process

The reason I chose to do the DNA and RNA protein synthesis for my project is because I
recognize that it is difficult for some people to understand. The protein synthesis process can be
tedious, long and complicated to understand, especially with its complex steps. In my group we
turned the DNA and RNA process into a game for elementary students. By doing this it gives
them the opportunity to understand and learn by physically moving the DNA and RNA. The
puzzle Jenga pieces gives the players a visual learning opportunity. Our hope is that through this
game they will understand how the DNA and RNA process works in the human body.
DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid and RNA stands for ribonucleic acid. Although
DNA and RNA both carry genetic information, there are quite a few differences in function
between them. DNA and RNA perform different functions in humans. The DNA strand is made
up of the nitrogen bases: adenine, guanine, thymine and cytosine shaped in the form of a double
helix. In the first step of protein synthesis the double helix transcribes itself and splits in order to
transport half of the nitrogen bases to the RNA. The messenger RNA then carries the information
to the ribosome in order to create proteins. While the DNA is responsible for storing and
transferring genetic information the RNA directly codes for amino acids and acts as a messenger
between DNA and ribosomes to make proteins (Helmenstine, PH.D).
When the mRNA transfers the codes received from the DNA it is paired with tRNA
which then completes the transfer to the ribosome. The nitrogen pairs in the RNA are similar to
that of the DNA nitrogen bases but in place of thymine it uses uracil. Uracil differs from thymine
in that it lacks a methyl group on its ring (Helmenstine, PH.D). The nitrogen bases in the
ribosome are then paired off in sets of three nitrogen bases called codons. These codons then fuse
together and produce amino acids ultimately creating proteins.

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This information has have helped create the Jenga puzzle idea for DNA and RNA
process. The DNA double helix is identical to the Jenga design which inspired us to create the
game for the elementary students. It allows them to understand or visualize the protein synthesis
by combining the nitrogen bases to create the protein synthesis. The protein created supplies the
material needed for our: eyes, brain, mouth, fingers, foot, hands, skin and hair. This will teach
students why everyone is unique. To conclude, this project was created in the hope that future
generations can be successful in understanding genetic protein synthesis. Giving them the
opportunity to become genetic doctors in the future if that is what they desire. Furthermore this
can give more opportunities to explore the mysteries of the DNA and RNA to unlock.

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Cited works
Helmenstine, Ph.D. AM. "The Differences Between DNA and RNA." N.p., n.d. Web. 29
July 2015.
Li, J, Gu, L, Aach, J, & Church, G 2014, 'Improved Cell-Free RNA and Protein Synthesis
System', Plos ONE, 9, 9, pp. 1-11, Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost,
viewed 30 July 2015.
Richman, T, Ermer, J, Davies, S, Perks, K, Viola, H, Shearwood, A, Hool, L, Rackham,
O, & Filipovska, A 2015, 'Mutation in MRPS34 Compromises Protein Synthesis
and Causes Mitochondrial Dysfunction', Plos Genetics, 11, 3, pp. 1-22,
Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost, viewed 30 July 2015.