In order to create proteins, a necessary building block of life, we need to make amino acids. They join together to form polypeptides, which are needed to create proteins. Amino acids are formed by tRNA, a type of RNA. RNA is like DNA's messenger, and it is special because it can travel outside of the nucleus.
To simulate how tRNA orders codons, try inputting a 3 letter sequence of A, U, G, and C! Use the table below to decide what amino acid you want to make.
You entered AUG, which represents the start codon! This tells your body when a new codon begins. More info can be found here.
You entered AUC, AUG, or AUA, which all represent Isoleucine! It assists with wound healing. More info can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Leucine! A fun fact about Leucine is that it's important for many metabolic functions. More info can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Phenylalanine! It's important for making important molecules within your body. More info can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Tyrosine! Tyrosine is important for the production of several important brain chemicals. More info can be found here.
You entered the stop sequence! This tells your body when one codon ends and another begins. More info can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Cysteine! This helps maintain the trusture of proteins in your body. More info can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Tryptophan! It's needed for normal growth in infants and for the production and maintenance of the body's proteins and muscles. More info can be found
You entered the sequence for Serine! Your body needs it to break down fats and other molecules. More info can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Proline! Your body needs it for healing wounds and fighting off diseases. More info can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Histidine! Your body needs it for growth and tissue repair. More info can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Glutamine! It's critical to your immune system to fight off diseases. More can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Arginine! It's used to prevent heart disease and stimulate your immune system. More info can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Threonine! It balances proteins within your body. More info can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Aspartic Acid! It's used to synthesize other amino acids. More info can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Lysine! It is essential for growth and tissue repair. More info can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Valine! It's used for muscle growth and energy for your body. More info can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Alanine! It strengthens the immune system and is a source of energy for your muscles. More info can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Glutamic Acid! It's an important nutrient for your brain. More info can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Glycine! It's a building block for many other molecules within your body. More info can be found here.
You entered the sequence for Asparagine! It carries residual toxic chemicals out of your body. More info can be found here.
DNA polymerase is an enzyme that fixes errors during replication.
In this activity, you are the DNA Polymerase. Your job is to find and correct the incorrect substitution in the DNA code. Click on the mutation to win!