Description
This free 3-page AP Biology genetic code chart gives Grades 9-12 students an mRNA codon table with amino acid names, 3-letter and 1-letter codes for translation and protein.
Pair codon table and wheel for EOC and STAAR review
• Free AP Biology Genetic Code Chart mRNA Codon Table Protein Synthesis
• Free AP Biology mRNA Codon Wheel Translation Protein Synthesis Reference
Ready for DNA-to-polypeptide practice
• AP Biology Transcription Translation Protein Synthesis Review Worksheet First Set
At a Glance
• 3-page free printable PDF genetic code reference (1 Hour)
• Full mRNA codon table with amino acid names and abbreviations
• Two student practice pages for quick codon-to-amino-acid translation drills
• Black-and-white design students can color for memory reinforcement
• Quick translation reference for AP Biology and molecular genetics
• Print PDF for AP exam prep, STAAR review, homework, and central dogma units
What is included in this free codon table?
• Printable mRNA codon table with the complete genetic code
• Amino acid full names plus three-letter and one-letter symbols
• Two student practice pages for codon chart translation drills
• Black-and-white PDF students can color during genetics instruction
Students will:
• Locate mRNA codons on a flat genetic code table
• Match amino acid full names, three-letter codes, and one-letter symbols
• Complete codon chart practice on included student worksheet pages
• Compare table and wheel layouts during translation lessons
• Use a printable reference during transcription and central dogma units
• Prepare for AP Biology, STAAR, and molecular genetics assessments
How do you read this mRNA codon table?
• Find the first mRNA nucleotide in the left column
• Match the second nucleotide across the row
• Read the third nucleotide to identify the amino acid at the intersection
• Use full names, three-letter abbreviations, or one-letter symbols as needed
This table lists mRNA codons with uracil (U) for translation — not thymine from DNA template strands.
How do students use this codon table? Students locate mRNA codons and match amino acid names, three-letter codes, and one-letter symbols while decoding translation sequences during central dogma lessons.
How do teachers use this free reference?
• Introduce the genetic code before Build Polypeptides worksheets
• Interactive notebook inserts and bulletin board references
• AP Biology exam prep, STAAR review, and molecular genetics units
• Homework scaffolds during transcription and translation lessons
• Colorable black-and-white PDF for visual and kinesthetic learners
NGSS HS-LS1-1: protein synthesis references connect DNA sequence structure to polypeptide assembly during transcription and translation units.
Aligned to NGSS HS-LS1-1, TEKS BIO.7.A and BIO.7.B (gene expression and protein synthesis), plus CCSS science literacy standards (see Standards tab). Popular for Texas Biology EOC and STAAR gene-expression review.
What teachers say
• "Perfect for the lab that we were doing in class! Will use again" — Stephanie Davidson
• "So handy to have full names, three letter codes and one letter codes for amino acids on one sheet. Saves photocopying. Thanks!" — Adriana S.
What formats are included? Printable PDF genetic code reference including codon chart practice pages, interactive notebooks, exam prep, and sub plans.
Who is this resource for? Designed for Grades 9-12 AP Biology, molecular genetics, and high school biology classrooms studying transcription, translation, and protein synthesis.
Popular for Texas STAAR and AP Biology review
• AP Biology Transcription Translation Protein Synthesis Bundle Sets 1-5
• Protein Synthesis Bundle: Transcription Translation & Central Dogma AP Biology
Prefer a rotating wheel? Pair with the free codon wheel
• Free AP Biology mRNA Codon Wheel Translation Protein Synthesis Reference
Upgrade to Build Polypeptides practice
• AP Biology Transcription Translation Protein Synthesis Review Worksheet First Set
Pair with the hands-on simulation
• Protein Synthesis Simulation Cooperative Transcription Translation Words
Frequently asked Does this use uracil (U) or thymine (T)? mRNA codons with uracil (U) — built for translation, not DNA template strands. Wheel vs table? Pair with the free codon wheel (7721178) when students prefer a compact wheel. Is there practice included?
This 3-page PDF includes the genetic code chart plus two student practice pages for codon-to-amino-acid drills before full DNA-to-protein worksheets. Ready for mutation practice? Pair with Build Polypeptides Set 1 for stop-codon and polypeptide decoding. Can students use this in interactive notebooks?
Yes — black-and-white PDF for INB inserts and bulletin boards. Is Easel included? Print-first PDF; pair with Build Polypeptides for Easel auto-grading practice.
Loved this free genetic code chart? A quick TpT review helps AP Biology and STAAR teachers discover this reference — and supports free updates to the codon table and wheel.
Related protein synthesis resources
• Free AP Biology Genetic Code Chart mRNA Codon Table Protein Synthesis
• Free AP Biology mRNA Codon Wheel Translation Protein Synthesis Reference
• AP Biology Transcription Translation Protein Synthesis Review Worksheet First Set
• Protein Synthesis Simulation Cooperative Transcription Translation Words
Give students a trusted free genetic code reference before codon-to-polypeptide worksheets and hands-on protein synthesis activities.
Theme: Biology, Protein Synthesis, DNA to Protein, Molecular Genetics, Central Dogma, Genetic Code, Free Resource
Audience: High School, 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade, 12th grade, Adult Education, Higher Education
Language: English
Programs & Methods: Biology Activity, Life Science Practice, Gene Expression, Graphic Organizers, Free Download
Supports: Graphic Organizers, Visual Supports, Differentiated Instruction, Study Guides, Test Preparation
No Prep, Free Download, Printable, free AP Biology codon table, genetic code chart, genetic code reference chart, codon chart practice, mRNA translation reference, protein synthesis chart, gene expression, codon and anticodon practice, transcription and translation, central dogma, amino acid abbreviations, amino acid codon decoder, molecular genetics, Biology EOC review, STAAR biology review, interactive notebook, Grades 9–12
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Original Artwork (© AwesomeScience).
For Personal Use Only. Uneditable.
Page count does not include Terms of Use and links to supplementary activities.
Copyright ©AwesomeScience 2016 – The Present.
All Rights Reserved by Author.
By using this Resource you agree to the Terms as outlined in the Terms of Service. This Resource is for limited Personal Use only; not to be used, in part or in whole, for commercial purposes. Each Individual License is for use by one specific educator only. Additional licenses must be purchased for each additional educator. Except as permitted in Section 3 to deliver Resources electronically to Permitted Recipients, you may not post or otherwise make the Resource available on any website, application, shared drive or other sites or services.
Highlights
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Description
This free 3-page AP Biology genetic code chart gives Grades 9-12 students an mRNA codon table with amino acid names, 3-letter and 1-letter codes for translation and protein.
Pair codon table and wheel for EOC and STAAR review
• Free AP Biology Genetic Code Chart mRNA Codon Table Protein Synthesis
• Free AP Biology mRNA Codon Wheel Translation Protein Synthesis Reference
Ready for DNA-to-polypeptide practice
• AP Biology Transcription Translation Protein Synthesis Review Worksheet First Set
At a Glance
• 3-page free printable PDF genetic code reference (1 Hour)
• Full mRNA codon table with amino acid names and abbreviations
• Two student practice pages for quick codon-to-amino-acid translation drills
• Black-and-white design students can color for memory reinforcement
• Quick translation reference for AP Biology and molecular genetics
• Print PDF for AP exam prep, STAAR review, homework, and central dogma units
What is included in this free codon table?
• Printable mRNA codon table with the complete genetic code
• Amino acid full names plus three-letter and one-letter symbols
• Two student practice pages for codon chart translation drills
• Black-and-white PDF students can color during genetics instruction
Students will:
• Locate mRNA codons on a flat genetic code table
• Match amino acid full names, three-letter codes, and one-letter symbols
• Complete codon chart practice on included student worksheet pages
• Compare table and wheel layouts during translation lessons
• Use a printable reference during transcription and central dogma units
• Prepare for AP Biology, STAAR, and molecular genetics assessments
How do you read this mRNA codon table?
• Find the first mRNA nucleotide in the left column
• Match the second nucleotide across the row
• Read the third nucleotide to identify the amino acid at the intersection
• Use full names, three-letter abbreviations, or one-letter symbols as needed
This table lists mRNA codons with uracil (U) for translation — not thymine from DNA template strands.
How do students use this codon table? Students locate mRNA codons and match amino acid names, three-letter codes, and one-letter symbols while decoding translation sequences during central dogma lessons.
How do teachers use this free reference?
• Introduce the genetic code before Build Polypeptides worksheets
• Interactive notebook inserts and bulletin board references
• AP Biology exam prep, STAAR review, and molecular genetics units
• Homework scaffolds during transcription and translation lessons
• Colorable black-and-white PDF for visual and kinesthetic learners
NGSS HS-LS1-1: protein synthesis references connect DNA sequence structure to polypeptide assembly during transcription and translation units.
Aligned to NGSS HS-LS1-1, TEKS BIO.7.A and BIO.7.B (gene expression and protein synthesis), plus CCSS science literacy standards (see Standards tab). Popular for Texas Biology EOC and STAAR gene-expression review.
What teachers say
• "Perfect for the lab that we were doing in class! Will use again" — Stephanie Davidson
• "So handy to have full names, three letter codes and one letter codes for amino acids on one sheet. Saves photocopying. Thanks!" — Adriana S.
What formats are included? Printable PDF genetic code reference including codon chart practice pages, interactive notebooks, exam prep, and sub plans.
Who is this resource for? Designed for Grades 9-12 AP Biology, molecular genetics, and high school biology classrooms studying transcription, translation, and protein synthesis.
Popular for Texas STAAR and AP Biology review
• AP Biology Transcription Translation Protein Synthesis Bundle Sets 1-5
• Protein Synthesis Bundle: Transcription Translation & Central Dogma AP Biology
Prefer a rotating wheel? Pair with the free codon wheel
• Free AP Biology mRNA Codon Wheel Translation Protein Synthesis Reference
Upgrade to Build Polypeptides practice
• AP Biology Transcription Translation Protein Synthesis Review Worksheet First Set
Pair with the hands-on simulation
• Protein Synthesis Simulation Cooperative Transcription Translation Words
Frequently asked Does this use uracil (U) or thymine (T)? mRNA codons with uracil (U) — built for translation, not DNA template strands. Wheel vs table? Pair with the free codon wheel (7721178) when students prefer a compact wheel. Is there practice included?
This 3-page PDF includes the genetic code chart plus two student practice pages for codon-to-amino-acid drills before full DNA-to-protein worksheets. Ready for mutation practice? Pair with Build Polypeptides Set 1 for stop-codon and polypeptide decoding. Can students use this in interactive notebooks?
Yes — black-and-white PDF for INB inserts and bulletin boards. Is Easel included? Print-first PDF; pair with Build Polypeptides for Easel auto-grading practice.
Loved this free genetic code chart? A quick TpT review helps AP Biology and STAAR teachers discover this reference — and supports free updates to the codon table and wheel.
Related protein synthesis resources
• Free AP Biology Genetic Code Chart mRNA Codon Table Protein Synthesis
• Free AP Biology mRNA Codon Wheel Translation Protein Synthesis Reference
• AP Biology Transcription Translation Protein Synthesis Review Worksheet First Set
• Protein Synthesis Simulation Cooperative Transcription Translation Words
Give students a trusted free genetic code reference before codon-to-polypeptide worksheets and hands-on protein synthesis activities.
Theme: Biology, Protein Synthesis, DNA to Protein, Molecular Genetics, Central Dogma, Genetic Code, Free Resource
Audience: High School, 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade, 12th grade, Adult Education, Higher Education
Language: English
Programs & Methods: Biology Activity, Life Science Practice, Gene Expression, Graphic Organizers, Free Download
Supports: Graphic Organizers, Visual Supports, Differentiated Instruction, Study Guides, Test Preparation
No Prep, Free Download, Printable, free AP Biology codon table, genetic code chart, genetic code reference chart, codon chart practice, mRNA translation reference, protein synthesis chart, gene expression, codon and anticodon practice, transcription and translation, central dogma, amino acid abbreviations, amino acid codon decoder, molecular genetics, Biology EOC review, STAAR biology review, interactive notebook, Grades 9–12
⭐Click here to follow my store and receive the latest updates.
Original Artwork (© AwesomeScience).
For Personal Use Only. Uneditable.
Page count does not include Terms of Use and links to supplementary activities.
Copyright ©AwesomeScience 2016 – The Present.
All Rights Reserved by Author.
By using this Resource you agree to the Terms as outlined in the Terms of Service. This Resource is for limited Personal Use only; not to be used, in part or in whole, for commercial purposes. Each Individual License is for use by one specific educator only. Additional licenses must be purchased for each additional educator. Except as permitted in Section 3 to deliver Resources electronically to Permitted Recipients, you may not post or otherwise make the Resource available on any website, application, shared drive or other sites or services.

















