Question

A student wants to model the process of translation that occurs in a cell as part of gene expression. When planning and organizing the materials to use in the model, the student finds the items shown in the table. Evaluate the items and select the ones that the student needs to appropriately model the process of translation in a cell. Select four that apply.
Responses
A clothespinclothespin
B paperclip chainpaperclip chain
C the single stringthe single string
D small, round balloonsmall, round balloon
E the double-sided, twisted string

Answer 1

To model the process of translation in a cell, the student needs to represent the key components involved in translation, such as mRNA, tRNA, and amino acids. Here's an evaluation of each item:

A. **Clothespin** - This could represent ribosomes or the binding sites on the ribosome, potentially useful in the model.
B. **Paperclip chain** - This could represent the mRNA strand, as a chain of paper clips could mimic the sequence of nucleotides.
C. **The single string** - Depending on its characteristics, this could potentially represent a tRNA strand but is less direct than other options.
D. **Small, round balloon** - These could be used to represent amino acids since they can be distinct and diverse in shape and size.
E. **The double-sided, twisted string** - This might represent the double helix structure of DNA or it could symbolize the complex interactions in translation.

Based on the need to model the translation process specifically, the most relevant items would likely be:

1. **Paperclip chain (B)** - Representing the mRNA.
2. **Small, round balloon (D)** - Representing amino acids.
3. **Clothespin (A)** - Possibly representing the ribosome.
4. **The double-sided, twisted string (E)** - Could symbolize the interactions during translation.

Therefore, the four items the student should choose are A, B, D, and E.