Department of Education

Region III
DIVISION OF MABALACAT CITY

Name: __________________________________ Grade & Section: ________________

School: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
Biotechnology 8 (Q2 - Wk5)
Role of DNA, RNA and Proteins in the
Transmission of Hereditary Traits

I. Introduction

Our cells have different functions such as reproduction, digestion,

metabolism and even death. These functions depend on a sequence of organic
bases which provides a code that controls different processes in our body as well
as in other organisms. These organic bases are instructions that lead to the
production of proteins.

There are two molecules that play very important roles in transmitting
genetic traits, they are DNA or Deoxyribonucleic Acid, and RNA or Ribonucleic
acid. DNA and RNA are important molecule that is present in all biological cells,
and these are necessary in the development and maintenance of life.

Have fun learning the processes that are involved in transmitting

hereditary traits from the parents to their offspring.

II. Learning Competency

Explain the process of transmission of hereditary traits through the help

of DNA, RNA and proteins.

III. Objectives

After going through this Learning Activity Sheets, you are expected to:
1. discuss the steps in Central Dogma of Molecular Biology;
2. identify the amino acids in a sequence; and
3. explain the roles of DNA, RNA and proteins in transmitting hereditary traits
or characteristics.
IV.Discussion
The Role of DNA
Source: Forluvoft

DNA can be found in the cell nucleus.

It can also be found in the mitochondria
which is known as mitochondrial DNA. It
makes up the genetic material, in other
words, it is the genome of all living
organisms. Hereditary characteristics, or
traits, are encoded in nucleotide sequences
hundreds of base pairs long. These DNA
sequences are genes.

Different types of cells carry out

different functions. The cell carries out two
important tasks: it copies its genes so that
a set can be passed on to each daughter cell
during cell division and it uses its genes to
synthesize proteins that are involved in the
expression of hereditary traits.
Source: Thomas Splettstoesser

Structure of DNA

In 1953, James Watson and Francis

Crick established the structure of DNA. The
shape of DNA is a double helix. The sides of
the ladder are made up of alternating sugar
and phosphate molecules. The sugar is
deoxyribose.

The rungs of the ladder are pairs of 4

types of nitrogen bases. The information in
DNA is stored as a code made up of four
chemical bases: adenine (A), guanine (G),
Source: Forluvoft cytosine (C), and thymine (T).

Human DNA consists of about 3 billion bases, and more than 99 percent of
those bases are the same in all people. These bases always bond in a certain
way. This is known as the "Base-Pair Rule".

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 DNA Replication
DNA can replicate, or make copies
of itself. Each strand of DNA in the double
helix can serve as a pattern for
duplicating the sequence of bases. This is
an important event when cells divide
because each new cell needs to have an
exact copy of the DNA present in the old
cell.

Source: Byjus

The Role of RNA in Transmission of Hereditary Traits

DNA are considered as blueprint

of life, and to ‘read’ these blueprints,
the double-helical DNA is unzipped to
expose the individual strands and an
enzyme translates them into a mobile,
intermediate message, called
ribonucleic acid (RNA).

This intermediate message is

called messenger RNA (mRNA), and it
carries the instructions for making
proteins. The mRNA is then
transported outside of the nucleus, to
the organelles responsible for
manufacturing proteins, the ribosome.
Source: Byjus

To show the comparison of DNA

and RNA look at the picture above. Note
the difference on the bases present in
DNA and RNA.

The Role of Protein in the Transmission of Hereditary Traits

The genes in DNA encode protein molecules, which carries out all the
functions necessary for life. For example, enzymes, including those that metabolize
nutrients and synthesize new cellular constituents, as well as DNA polymerases and
other enzymes that make copies of DNA during cell division, are all proteins. In the
simplest sense, expressing a gene means manufacturing its corresponding protein.

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 Central Dogma of Molecular Biology
The 'Central Dogma' is the process by which the instructions in DNA are
converted into a functional product which is protein in the form of amino acid. The
central dogma suggests that DNA contains the information needed to make all of our
proteins, and that RNA is a messenger that carries this information to the ribosome.

TRANSCRIPTION AND TRANSLATION

Genes provide necessary
information for building proteins.
However, they don’t directly create
proteins. The production of proteins is
completed through two processes:
transcription and translation.

Transcription and translation

take the information in DNA and use it
to produce proteins. Transcription
uses a strand of DNA as a template to
build a molecule called RNA. The RNA
molecule is the link between DNA and
the production of proteins.
Source: Molecular Biology Review
Translation is the process
where the information carried in
mRNA molecules is used to create proteins. The specific sequence of nucleotides in
the mRNA molecule provide the code for the production of a protein with a specific
sequence of amino acids.

THE GENETIC CODE

The genetic code is the set of "rules" that

a cell uses to interpret the nucleotide sequence
within a molecule of mRNA.

RNA molecules only contain four

different types of nitrogenous bases but there
are 20 different amino acids that are used to
build proteins. In order to turn four into 20, a
combination of three nitrogenous bases
provides the information for one amino acid.

Each three-base ‘word’ is called a

‘codon’ and the series of codons hold the
information for the production of the
Source: Nature.com
polypeptide chain.

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 The three-letter nature of codons means that the four nucleotides found in
mRNA (A, U, G, and C) can produce a total of 64 different combinations.

READING THE GENETIC CODE

Methionine is specified
by the codon AUG, which is
also known as the start
codon. Consequently,
methionine is the first amino
acid to dock in the ribosome
during the synthesis of
proteins. The codons UAA,
UAG, and UGA are the stop
codons that signal the
termination of translation.

Source: BasicBiology.net

THE ROLE OF RIBOSOMES IN TRANSLATION

This means that ribosomes are the sites at which the genetic code is actually
read by a cell.

During translation, ribosomes move along an mRNA strand, and with the help
of proteins, they assemble the sequence of amino acids indicated by the mRNA,
thereby forming a protein.

In order for this assembly to occur, however, the ribosomes must be surrounded
by small molecules called transfer RNA (tRNA). Each tRNA molecule consists of two
distinct ends, one of which binds to a specific amino acid, and the other which binds
to a specific codon in the mRNA sequence because it carries a series of nucleotides
called an anticodon

V. Activities

Activity # 1
Read each sentence carefully. Encircle the correct answer.

1. Translation is the ______________________.

A. process of translating the DNA code from the DNA code from the DNA.
B. accomplished by RNA polymerase.
C. requires ribosomes.
D. requires the removal of the nucleosomes.

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2. Who were the first to suggest that one strand of DNA might act as a
template for the synthesis of its complementary strand?
A. Meselson and Stahl
B. Watson and crick
C. Walter Flemming
D. Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins

3. Proteins are encoded on the DNA by the following process:

A. each amino acid corresponds to a sequence of three organic bases on
the DNA
B. each protein corresponds to a sequence of ten organic base on the DNA.
C. scientists are not sure how.
D. the code is done like computer using series of electrically-based gates

4. Which of the following with regard to the basic mechanism of gene

expression is correct?
A. DNA ―> tRNA ―> protein
B. RNA ―> cDNA ―> mRNA ―> protein
C. RNA ―> DNA ―> mRNA ―> protein
D. DNA ―> protein

5. Complementary base pairings:

A. varies with different species.
B. is important in producing mRNA.
C. is important in the duplication of DNA.
D. b and c are correct
6. Which of the following does not take part in gene expression?
A. Replication
B. Transcription
C. RNA processing
D. Translation

7. What is the function of ribosomes?

A. Transport amino acids to the site of protein synthesis.
B. Bind the anticodons on the transfer RNA.
C. Act as a vice to hold the manufacturing apparatus together while
protein is being made.
D. Transcribe the DNA code onto messenger RNA.

8. The organic base in nucleic acids:

A. are the same in DNA and RNA
B. occur in random amounts in RNA and DNA
C. are joined by hydrogen bonds on the interior of the double helix
D. c and d are correct.

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 9. The code for a protein:
A. is called a gene
B. contains nonessential information embedded in the code
C. must be read out by RNA polymerase to make functional protein
D. usually requires excision of unnecessary code after the code is read.

10. The process by which RNA molecules are initiated, elongated and terminated is
A. Replication c. Translation
B. Transcription d. Central Dogma

11. Amino acids:

A. are usually coded by more than one sequence of bases.
B. are transported by messenger RNA to the DNA.
C. are assembled into proteins within the nucleus.
D. are held into place by the RNA polymerase.

12. RNA molecules are synthesized by using a portion of one strand of DNA as a
template in a polymerization reaction that is catalyzed by enzyme called
__________.
A. RNA polymerase c. DNA polymerase 2
B. DNA polymerase 1 d. DNA polymerase 3

13. RNA polymerase:

A. Makes mRNA
B. Must bind to the DNA
C. Assembles amino acids
D. A and B are correct.

14. Which of the following states that information flows from DNA (genes) to
mRNA?
A. Translation
B. Transcription
C. Central Dogma
D. Replication

15. A human gene:

A. Codes for one protein
B. Consists of three organic bases
C. Depends on accurate translation by the RNA polymerase
D. All are correct.

Activity # 2:

Below are letters that are clustered together. Unscramble the letters in the clusters
to find the terms associated with cell transport.
(Note: Questions with * have two-word answer)

Example:
DI RE HE TY HEREDITY

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 1. BO SOMES RI

*2. CID AMI A NO

3. RI NUC BO LEIC

4. DEOXY LEIC RIBO NUC

*5. FER RNA TRANS

*6. MES GER SEN RNA

*7. AN CO TI DON

8. RASE PO LY ME

*9. NIC ORGA SES BA

10. TRAL DOG CEN MA

Activity # 3:
Read and answer the questions below. (Write the complete answer(s)

1. Write the full name for DNA. _____________________________________________

2. Write the full name for RNA. _________________________________________________
3. Where in the cell are chromosomes located? __________________________________
4. DNA can be found in what two organelles? _________________________________
5. The two scientists who established the structure of DNA? ______________________
6. What is the shape of DNA? ______________________________________
7. What are the sides of the DNA ladder made of? _________________
8. What sugar is found in DNA? _______________________
9. What sugar is found in RNA? ____________________
10. How do the bases bond together in RNA? A bond with ____ G bonds with ____

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Activity # 4:

Fill in the blanks to complete the given statements. Choose your answer from the
words inside the box and write it on the space provided.

DNA RNA

1._________________ Its shape is double helix and contains bases A, G, C, T

2._________________ It is single strand and contains bases A, U, C, G

ADENINE CYTOSINE URASIL

3._________________It is paired with guanine.

4._________________It is paired with thymine.
5._________________ It is paired with adenine in RNA.

TRANSCRIPTION TRANSLATION

6._________________ It is the process where the information carried in

mRNA molecules is used to create proteins
7. _________________ It uses a strand of DNA as a template to build a
molecule called RNA.

START CODON STOP CODON

8. _________________-AUG
9. _________________-UGA
10.________________-UAA

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VI. Assessment

Part I. Multiple choice. Choose the letter of the best answer

1. Which of the following sequences of processes correctly reflects the central

dogma?
A. protein synthesis, transcription, translation
B. protein synthesis, translation, transcription
C. transcription, translation, protein synthesis
D. translation, transcription, protein synthesis

2. A molecule of DNA is made up of _________.

A. amino acids and proteins C. receptor enzymes
B. ATP and enzymes D. paired nucleotides

3. Which do DNA and RNA have in common?

A. Both are double stranded.
B. Both contain phosphate groups.
C. Both contain ribose molecules.
D. Both contain uracil

4. If the structure of DNA was likened to a ladder, what would make up the
“supporting structure” (not the “rungs”) of the ladder?
A. sugar-phosphate molecules
B. nucleotide bases, including thymine
C. nucleotide bases, including uracil
D. amino acids and sugars

5. What is the complimentary mRNA sequence to the DNA sequence A-T-T-G-C-A.

A. T-A-A-C-G-T C. U-A-A-C-G-U
B. U-A-A-C-G-T D. T-A-A-G-C-U

6. Which defines a codon in DNA or mRNA?

A. pair of nucleic acid and sugar
B. three-base code
C. pair of phosphate and sugar
D. two-base code

7. From which organelle is DNA usually found?

A. cell membrane C. chloroplast
B. vacuole D. nucleus

8. What are called the building blocks of proteins?

A. Amino Acids C. Ribosomes
B. RNA D. DNA

9. DNA has a ______ strand; RNA has a ______ strand.

A. double/double C. double/single
B. double/triple D. single/single

10. In RNA, the nitrogen base____ replaces ____ that is present in DNA.
A. A, U (adenine, uracil) C. U, T (uracil, thymine)
B. C, G (cytosine, guanine) D. U, A (uracil, adenine)

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Part II. Fill each of the following sequences with either the DNA, the mRNA
sequence, the tRNA or the amino acid sequences that were left blank.

A.
DNA TAC TAG TCG ACC CCC ATA ATG AAA ATC

11. mRNA

tRNA UAC UGA UCG ACC CCC AUA AUG AAA AUC

12. AA

B.
13. DNA

mRNA AUG GCG AGG CGG CAG CUG UUA UGG UGA

14. tRNA

15. AA

VII. Reflection

After studying the roles of DNA, RNA and proteins in transferring hereditary
materials, complete the diagram below showing the process. Explain how this
affects the diversity of all living creatures in the planet.

The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

DNA

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VIII. Reference

BioNinja. Retrieved August 5, 2020, From https://ib.bioninja.com.au/standard-

level/topic-2-molecular-biology/27-dna-replication-transcri/central-
dogma.html

Byju’s: The Learning App. Retrieved August 5,2020, From

https://byjus.com/biology /central-dogma-inheritance-mechanism/

Clancy, Suzanne and Brown, William. Translation: DNA to mRNA to Protein.

Retrieved August 5, 2020, From
https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/the-information-in-dna-
determines-cellular-function-6523228/

Cuffari, Bernadette, What is RNA? Retrieved August 5,2020, From

https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/What-is-RNA.aspx

National Institute of Health US. Retrieved August 5,2020, From

https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/ primer/basics/dna

NGSS Life Sciences. Protein Synthesis Lesson Plan. Retrieved August 5,2020. From
https://www.ngsslifescience.com/science.php?/biology/lessonplans/C407/

Smith, Mitchell, The Central Dogma (#1 of 6): Genetic Material. Retrieved August
5,2020. From https://betterlesson.com/lesson/636010/the-central-dogma-
1-of-6-genetic-material

University of Massachusetts Medical School, Retrieved August 6,2020, From

https://www.umassmed.edu/rti/biology/what-is-rna/

University of New South Wales Australia, Retrieved August 5,2020, From

https://cellbiology.med.unsw.edu.au/

Yourgenome.org. What is Central Dogma? Retrieved August 5,2020, From

https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-the-central-dogma

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 13
Part II Part I 1. DNA 1. Deoxyribonucleic Acid
2. RNA 2. Ribonucleic Acid
1. AUG ACU AGC UGG GGG 1. c
UAU UAC UUU UAG 3. Cytosine 3. Nucleus
12. MET THR SER TRY GLY
2. d 4. nucleus and mitochondria
3. b 4. Adenine
TYR TYR PHE STOP 5. Francis Crick and James
13. TAC CGC TCC GCC GTC 4. a 5. Urasil
6. Translation Watson
GAC AAT ACC ACT 5. c
14. UAC CGC UCC GCC GUC 6. b 7. Transcription 6. double helix
GAC AAU ACC ACU 7.d 8.Start Codon 7. sugar and phosphate
15. MET ALA ARG ARG GLU 8. a 8. Deoxiribose
LEU TRY STOP 9. Stop Codon
9. c 10. Stop Codon 9.ribose
10 c 10. U (Urasil) C(Cytosine)
Assessment Activity 4 Activity 3
1. RIBOSOMES 1. C 11.A
2. AMINO ACID 2.B 12.A
3. RIBONUCLEIC 3.A 13. D
4. DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC
4.B 14. C
5. TRANSFER RNA
5.D 15. C
6. MESSENGER RNA
6.A
7. ANTI CODON
8.POLYMERASE 7.C
9. ORGANIC BASES 8.D
10. CENTRAL DOGMA 9. D
10. B
Activity 2 Activity 1
IX. Answer Key
X. Development Team

Development Team of the Learning Activity Sheets

Writer: Ralph Emerson L. Raton
Editor: Cristina L. Dizon, PhD
Reviewer: Ala M. Elagio, Madilyn C. Sangki, Anna Marie G. San Diego
Illustrator:
Layout Artist:
Management Team: Engr. Edgard C. Domingo, PhD, CESO V
Leandro C. Canlas, PhD CESE
Elizabeth O. Latorilla, PhD
Sonny N. De Guzman, EdD
Cristina L. Dizon, PhD
Elizabeth C. Miguel, EdD

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

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P. Burgos St., Poblacion, Mabalacat City, Pampanga

Telefax: (045) 331-8143

E-mail Address: mabalacatcity@deped.gov.ph

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