Protein Synthesis

Unit 10 Protein Synthesis

Protein Synthesis

The process by which a cell makes proteins based on the message contained within its DNA.

DNA

A molecule that contains genes, sequences of nucleotide bases that code for polypeptides (proteins).

Genes

Sequences of nucleotide bases in DNA that code for proteins.

Polypeptides

Long chains of amino acids that make up proteins.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins; there are 20 types, some of which the body can produce, and others it cannot.

Transcription

The process of copying genetic information from a strand of DNA into a strand of mRNA.

Translation

The process where mRNA is read by ribosomes to form a chain of amino acids, eventually forming a protein.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, which carries messages from DNA to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

Type of RNA that copies DNA’s code and carries genetic information to the ribosomes.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

Type of RNA that, along with protein, makes up the ribosomes.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Type of RNA that transfers amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis.

Central Dogma

The framework for understanding the flow of genetic information: DNA → RNA → Protein.

Uracil

A nitrogenous base found in RNA, which replaces thymine in DNA.

Deoxyribose

The sugar component of DNA, which is different from the ribose found in RNA.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Anticodon

The complementary sequence on tRNA that pairs with the codon on mRNA.

Peptide Chain

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds; forms proteins.

Ribosome

Cellular structure where protein synthesis occurs, made up of rRNA and protein.

Amino Acid Structure

Contains an amine group (NH3) and a carboxyl group, and forms the building blocks of proteins.

Nucleus

The cell organelle where DNA is housed and where transcription occurs.

Cytoplasm

The portion of the cell outside the nucleus where translation occurs and proteins are synthesized.