5. Protein Synthesis

ribosomes, cytoplasm

Proteins are made at the _______

which are located in the cytoplasm of the cell

mRNA (messenger RNA)

copy of the genetic code that travel out from the cytoplasm to the ribosomes

short and disposable

ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

translate the code that mRNA carries into a protein

transfer RNA (tRNA)

carries amino acids to the ribosomes where they are linked together to form a protein

anticodon

each tRNA has a specific _____ that is complementary to a codon on mRNA

match up with the codons to ensure that the correct amino acid is added to the polypeptide chain

introns

parts of the DNA sequence that aren’t involved in coding for proteins

must be removed from mRNA

codons

3 letter code for amino acids

special ones signal the start of the protein or stop the synthesis

Translation

process where the genetic code is read and a protein is created at the ribosomes

Translation steps

mRNA travels from the nucleus to the ribosomes

Ribosomes read the mRNA

tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosomes where they are joined together in the correct order