Abstract
The steps involved in transcription and translation can be difficult for students to comprehend. Relating popular culture references (such as song titles) to protein sequences can help students understand the conversion of DNA and RNA information to proteins. In this case study, music is used as an avenue for students to approach the processes of converting genetic sequence into protein sequence. Music is also used to highlight mutations in a sequence, as is the case with an example using Huntington disease. This directed case study is designed for a first-year introductory biology course or high school course that covers gene expression. Students should be familiar with some basic biochemistry (what amino acids and nucleotides are, what enzymes do, etc.) and the structure of open reading frames, codons, and basic knowledge of transcription and translation in preparation for this activity.