Protein Synthesis Overview

VOCABULARY flashcards covering the two main stages of protein synthesis: transcription and translation.

Proteins

Molecules needed for body structure, cell work, and chemical reactions.

Protein Synthesis Stage 1: Transcription

The process that happens in the cell nucleus where DNA unzips and a copy of the gene called mRNA is made.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

The copy of a gene created during transcription that leaves the nucleus and goes to the cytoplasm.

Protein Synthesis Stage 2: Translation

The process that happens at a ribosome in the cytoplasm where the mRNA code is read and amino acids are linked into a chain.

Ribosome

The structure in the cytoplasm where the code on the mRNA is read during translation.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

The molecule that brings matching amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

Amino acids

Units that link together into a long chain to fold into a working protein.