Protein Synthesis

Protein Synthesis

The process of creating proteins from the instructions encoded in DNA, involving transcription and translation.

DNA

Acts as the blueprint for building proteins; determines which proteins each cell produces.

Cell Specialization

Different cells use various parts of the same DNA to perform distinct functions.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures where protein synthesis occurs; can be found in the cytoplasm or on the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

A single-stranded RNA molecule that carries instructions from DNA to ribosomes.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

A cloverleaf-shaped RNA molecule that brings specific amino acids to ribosomes.

rRNA (Ribosomal RNA)

RNA that combines with proteins to form ribosome subunits and facilitates protein synthesis.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotide bases in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Start Codon

The codon AUG, which signifies the starting point for protein synthesis.

Anticodon

A three-nucleotide sequence on tRNA that is complementary to an mRNA codon.

Genetic Code

The set of rules by which information is encoded in the genetic material and translated into proteins.

Transcription

The process where DNA is transcribed into mRNA in the nucleus.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes mRNA from the DNA template during transcription.

Peptide Bonds

Chemical bonds that link amino acids together in a protein chain.

Termination

The final step in translation where a stop codon signals the end of protein synthesis.

Elongation

The stage in translation where amino acids are added one by one to the growing polypeptide chain.

Hemoglobin

An example of a protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells.

64 Codons

The total number of codons in the genetic code, including stop codons.

20 Amino Acids

The number of different amino acids that make up proteins.

Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds and separates the DNA strands during transcription.

Nucleus

The cell organelle where DNA is stored and transcription occurs.

Cytoplasm

The cellular fluid where translation takes place at ribosomes.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

A network of membranes with ribosomes attached, where some proteins are synthesized.

mRNA Codons

The sequence of three bases in mRNA that directs the incorporation of amino acids.

DNA Template Strand

The strand of DNA that serves as the guide for RNA synthesis during transcription.

Sense Strand

The DNA strand that has the same sequence as the mRNA (except U replaces T).

Polypeptide Chain

A series of amino acids linked by peptide bonds that folds into a functional protein.

Initiation

The stage in translation where the ribosome binds to mRNA at the start codon.

AUG

The start codon, which codes for the amino acid methionine.

UAA, UAG, UGA

The stop codons that terminate protein synthesis.

Enzyme

A biological catalyst that accelerates chemical reactions, such as RNA polymerase and helicase.

Base Pairing

The process of pairing RNA bases with the template strand of DNA during transcription.

Cloverleaf Shape

The structural shape of tRNA which allows it to carry amino acids and match codons.

Degenerate Code

The phenomenon whereby multiple codons may code for the same amino acid.

Bonding of Amino Acids

The process during elongation of translation where the ribosome connects amino acids using peptide bonds.

Nuclear Pores

Opening in the nuclear membrane through which mRNA exits the nucleus after transcription.