Name: _________________________________________________ Date:_____________

Hour:_______

Path of a Protein
The purpose of this exercise is to familiarize everyone with the process of how cells
create and transport proteins.
First, it is important to understand which structures inside a cell are involved in the
process. Fill out the table below. Keep in mind, not all organelles are involved in
protein production.

Organell Function Involved in Ste

e protein p
production?
Nucleus

Nucleolus

Ribosome

Mitochond
ria

Rough E.R.

Smooth
E.R.

Golgi
Complex

Lysosomes

Vesicles

Plasma
Membrane
If you are confused on which step of the process an organelle belongs, use your
reference sheet as a guide.
Cells often produce proteins for other cells to use. In this activity, we will explore
how a cell creates the proteins, moves them inside the cell and then transports
them out of the cell for other cells to use.
For this activity, we will need:
1 Nucleus 3 Registered Nuclear Assistants
4 Ribosomes 4 People to be the Rough ER
3 Golgi Complexes 3 Vesicles
The remainder of the class will form the plasma membrane

1. Organize our cell according to the reference sheet.

2. Start with just one type of protein product being made to allow everyone to
watch.
3. Add a second protein product being produced.
4. Add a third then a fourth protein being made simultaneously.

In the space below, describe, in as much detail as possible, how proteins are made
in a cell and then exported out of the cell.
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Instructor Notes:
Materials needed:
Track bag for each ribosome
Several short sections of colored rope
Several short sections of thinner white rope

Procedure:
The nucleus sends an RNA which carries instructions (thin rope) to the ribosome.
The RNA passes the thin rope through the strings of the track bag to simulate the
ribosome reading the instructions. As the thin rope is passing through, the ribosome
then uses the instructions to synthesize the protein (pulls the thick, colored rope
from the track bag).
The ER picks up the protein from the ribosome and delivers it to the Golgi.
The Golgi organizes the protein into a specific shape.
The vesicle picks up the protein from the Golgi and takes it to the plasma
membrane
The vesicle then fuses with the membrane, ejecting the protein from the cell.

After a couple rounds of protein production per ribosome, have the students shuffle
roles to ensure they participate in the entire process of protein production.