🧬 Central Dogma Lab

Mission: build a protein

Open the DNA gene, build complementary messenger RNA, then let a ribosome translate codons into an amino-acid chain.
DNA
→
RNA
→
Protein
DNAPolymeraseRNARibosometRNAProtein
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Gene and process controls

DNAcurrent stage
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0amino acids
DNA stores the gene. Press Start for the complete process or select a stage.

Mutation laboratory

Select a base above, then test a mutation. The protein outcome updates after translation.

Process evidence

Blue line: RNA bases completed • Purple line: amino acids assembled

Tracked object

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TipTap DNA, polymerase, RNA, ribosome, or protein

Camera

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Teacher tools

Teacher-guided complete lecture

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What to watch: DNA opens, RNA grows, then a protein chain forms.
Choose a language and voice, then begin. Every chapter controls and highlights the matching molecular event.
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Chapters

Learning objectives

  • Describe information flow from DNA to RNA to protein.
  • Apply complementary base pairing during transcription.
  • Read messenger RNA in three-base codons.
  • Explain the roles of polymerase, ribosome, transfer RNA, and amino acids.
  • Predict substitution, insertion, and deletion effects.

Key concepts

D
DNA stores information

A gene is a base sequence. Only one template strand is copied for a particular transcript.

R
Transcription makes RNA

RNA polymerase reads DNA and joins complementary RNA bases. RNA uses uracil instead of thymine.

3
Codons organize the message

The ribosome reads messenger RNA three bases at a time from a start codon to a stop codon.

P
Translation builds protein

Transfer RNA matches anticodons to codons and delivers amino acids that link into a chain.

Scientific model

The simulation uses a short educational gene and the standard genetic code. Molecular sizes, travel paths, and timing are visually scaled. The information relationships, complementary pairing, codon reading, and mutation consequences follow established biology.

Suggested experiments

  • Transcribe the same gene twice and confirm the RNA sequence is reproducible.
  • Substitute the third base of a codon and look for a silent mutation.
  • Insert one base near the start and observe the reading-frame shift.
  • Delete the start codon and test whether translation begins.

Applications and misconceptions

  • Cells regulate which genes are transcribed; not every gene is active at once.
  • Proteins include enzymes, receptors, antibodies, and structural fibers.
  • RNA is not simply one DNA strand leaving the nucleus; it is newly synthesized.
  • One codon specifies one amino acid or a stop signal, not an entire protein.
  • Not every mutation changes protein function.
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