Module 2 Instructor Resources¶

Lesson Plan¶

Describe how a primary transcript (pre-mRNA) can be synthesized using a DNA molecule as the template.
Explain the importance of the 5’ and 3’ regions of the gene for initiation and termination of transcription by RNA polymerase II
Identify the beginning and end of a transcript using the capabilities of the genome browser (RNA-Seq, Short Match)

Describe regulatory signals: Transcription Start Site (TSS), and AATAAA sequence (site of transcript cleavage for termination)
Investigation 1: Students find the transcript for tra-RA using the genome browser and identify the transcription unit
Investigation 2: Students map the 5’ end of the transcript
Investigation 3: Students map the 3’ end of the transcript
Review pairing of DNA bases

Discuss the questions: What is transcription? What cellular proteins are required for transcription? How does it work mechanistically? What is/are the products of transcription? (students discuss in pairs, then as a class)
Work through the genome browser investigation, then identify where transcription starts and ends for the tra gene. How long is the pre-mRNA?
Conclude by challenging students to think about these questions:
- How important is it for RNA polymerase II to recognize the promoter sequence?
- Do you think it is possible for a gene to have more than one transcription start site? How would RNA polymerase II know which one to choose? When would it make a difference in the protein product, and when not?