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DNA TO PROTEIN



DNA TO PROTEIN

DNA & GENES
DNA is made of four simple building blocks, yet it contains all of the information necessary to build an organism. Segments of DNA called genes contain specific instructions that make each individual unique.
tour of the basics
WHAT IS DNA ?
Learn why you share traits with your parents.
tour of the basics
WHAT IS A GENE ?
Learn why you share traits with your parents.
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BUILD A DNA MOLECULE
Find out how the DNA code letters AGCT make a DNA molecule by building one yourself.

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NATIONAL DNA DAY - APRIL 25TH
April 25th commemorates the discovery of the structure of DNA and the completion of the Human Genome Project.
TRANSCRIPTION & TRANSLATION
Cellular machinery uses genes as instructions to assemble proteins.
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TRANSCRIBE & TRANSLATE A GENE
See how cells "read" the information in a DNA sequence to build a protein, then build one yourself!
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WHAT MAKES A FIREFLY GLOW ?
An animated example of protein synthesis.
PROTEINS
Proteins play a profound role in proper cell function thus affecting the entire organism.
tour of the basics
WHAT IS A PROTEIN ?
Learn why you share traits with your parents.
interactive explore
TEST NEUROFIBROMIN ACTIVITY IN A CELL
See how a mutated protein can affect normal cell division.

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PRIONS: ON THE TRAIL OF KILLER PROTEINS
Mad Cow and Creutzfeldt-Jakob are examples of diseases caused by prions. What makes them so different and why are they controversial?

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THE TIME OF OUR LIVES
Internal molecular clocks help humans and other organisms adapt to the 24 hour cycle of day and night.