The following 16 Sample Student Responses represent a range of score points.

Score for Sample Student Response #1: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response contains evidence of some understanding of the question. While the student provides the correct amino acid sequences, only one RNA sequence is given and its connection to a specific DNA sequence is unclear. A vague reference is made to the process of protein synthesis (DNA that goes through enzymes and ribosome). These supporting details are minimally effective. Compare to Anchor Paper #2.

Score for Sample Student Response #2: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response contains evidence of a basic understanding of the question. With a few exceptions (DNA is split with an enzyme called a replication fork; mRNA…is then translated into tRNA) adequate supporting details are used to give an overview of protein synthesis. (DNA is copied; mRNA leaves the nucleus; thymine replaced by uracil). The correct mRNA and amino acid sequences for both kinds of hemoglobin are provided. Compare to Anchor Paper #4.

Score for Sample Student Response #3: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: This response contains evidence of a full and complete understanding of the question. The supporting details are pertinent and complete. A complete synthesis of information is present throughout the description of protein synthesis. The student provides a complete, balanced discussion of transcription and translation and correctly identifies the mRNA and amino acid sequence for normal and abnormal hemoglobin. Accurate scientific terminology (double helix; complimentary codons and bases; peptide bond) enhances the response. Compare to Anchor Paper #10.

Score for Sample Student Response #4: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response contains evidence of a good understanding of the question. The student provides generally complete supporting details, including the correct mRNA and amino acid sequences for both kinds of hemoglobin. Accurate scientific terminology (transcription; translation; free nitrogenous bases) strengthens the generally complete description of protein synthesis. Compare to Anchor Paper #7.

Score for Sample Student Response #5: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response contains evidence of some understanding of the question. The mRNA and amino acid sequences for both kinds of hemoglobin are incorrect. The student provides an overview of protein synthesis that is generally correct (messenger RNA copies the DNA; mRNA travels out to the ribosome where transfer RNA can read it). The supporting details are minimally effective Compare to Anchor Paper #3.

Score for Sample Student Response #6: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response contains evidence of a good understanding of the question. The student correctly identifies messenger RNA and amino acid sequences for both kinds of hemoglobin. Some synthesis of information is demonstrated in the discussion of protein synthesis; however, the direct connection between mRNA and tRNA is not addressed. The supporting details are generally complete. Compare to Anchor Paper #8.

Score for Sample Student Response #7: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: This response contains evidence of a full and complete understanding of the question. The student correctly identifies mRNA and amino acid sequences for both kinds of hemoglobin. A synthesis of information is evident as the student provides a detailed discussion of all aspects of the question. The supporting details are pertinent and specific and the use of scientific terminology enhances this response (transcription; translation; double helix; corresponding base pairs; cytosol/cytoplasm; nucleotide; polypeptide; stop codon). Compare to Anchor Paper #9.

Score for Sample Student Response #8: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response contains evidence of a basic understanding of the question. The student identifies the appropriate mRNA and amino acid sequences. A general discussion of the protein making process is given (DNA "unzips;" nucleotides come over to form the other sequence; RNA leaves the nucleus). The supporting details are adequate. Compare to Anchor Paper #6.

Score for Sample Student Response #9: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: This response contains evidence of a full and complete understanding of the question. A complete synthesis of information is demonstrated as pertinent and complete supporting details are used to fully and accurately describe protein synthesis. The student gives the correct mRNA and amino acid sequence for both normal and abnormal hemoglobin. The use of scientific terminology (RNA polymerase; promoter; introns; peptide bond) enhances the response. Compare to Anchor Paper #10.

Score for Sample Student Response #10: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response contains evidence of a good understanding of the question. The mRNA and amino acid sequences are correctly identified for both kinds of hemoglobin. Some synthesis of information is evident as the student discusses translation (matching codons and complimentary anti-codons; amino acids are added one by one to a polypeptide chain). The discussion of transcription needs more elaboration in order for this response to receive a higher score. The supporting details are generally complete. Compare to Anchor Paper #8.

Score for Sample Student Response #11: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response contains evidence of some understanding of the question. The mRNA and amino acid sequences are incorrectly identified. By mentioning ribosomes (The process the forms proteins is through DNA and the ribosomes in the cell), the student indicates some understanding of how protein synthesis takes place. The supporting details are minimal. Compare to Anchor Paper #1.

Score for Sample Student Response #12: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response contains evidence of a basic understanding of the question. In addition to correctly identifying the mRNA and amino acid sequences for both kinds of hemoglobins, the student provides a brief overview of protein synthesis (codes copied onto messenger RNA; mRNA leaves the nucleus; ribosome; tRNA). The supporting details throughout this response are adequate. Compare to Anchor Paper #4.

Score for Sample Student Response #13: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response contains evidence of a good understanding of the question. Generally complete supporting details are given. Correct mRNA and amino acid sequences for both kinds of hemoglobin are identified. Some synthesis of information is evident in the discussion of protein synthesis (making an RNA copy of the DNA chain; sends it out of the nucleus; binds with ribosome; mRNA matched with correct tRNA; brings correct amino acid). Compare to Anchor Paper #8.

Score for Sample Student Response #14: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response contains evidence of a basic understanding of the question. Messenger RNA and amino acid sequences for both kinds of hemoglobin are correctly stated. The student provides a general description of protein synthesis (DNA in the nucleus is copied by messenger RNA; takes copy into cytoplasm; transfer RNA brings over amino acids). The discussion of hemoglobin is irrelevant to this actual question and does nothing to enhance the response. The supporting details are adequate. Compare to Anchor Paper #4.

Score for Sample Student Response #15: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: This response contains evidence of a full and complete understanding of the question. The correct mRNA and amino acid sequences for both kinds of hemoglobin are provided. Pertinent and complete supporting details are used to describe transcription and translation and a complete synthesis of information is evident as the student discusses protein synthesis. Scientific terminology enhances this response (transcription; translation; complimentary RNA nucleotides; codon, anticodon; peptide bond; polypeptide chain). Compare to Anchor Paper #10.

Score for Sample Student Response #16: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response contains evidence of some understanding of the question. The student correctly identifies the sequences for both messenger RNA and amino acids. Bullet three is not addresses. The supporting details are minimally effective. Compare to Anchor Paper #2.

Anchor Papers used in scoring