Chapter 2.2 Basic Understanding of Protein Synthesis

What is transcription?

The process of synthesizing messenger RNA (mRNA) from a DNA template.

What does RNA polymerase do during transcription?

It binds to a gene on DNA, unwinds the DNA, and synthesizes a complementary RNA strand.

What does the mRNA strand do during transcription?

It then exits the nucleus through nuclear pores.

What is translation?

The process by which the mRNA is decoded to synthesize a polypeptide (protein)

What does the ribosome and rRNA molecules do during translation?

It binds to the mRNA, and transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome.

What does each tRNA have during translation?

Each of them has an anticodon that pairs with the corresponding codon on the mRNA, ensuring the correct sequence of amino acids.

What forms between amino acids during translation?

Peptide bonds form between amino acids, creating a polypeptide chain that folds into a functional protein.