Chapter 3 : Nucleus, Genetic Code, Protein Synthesis

what is the nucleus?

largest organelle

control center

keeps DNA safe

what information is stored in the nucleus?

genetic code : chemical language of DNA (ATCG)

genes : instructions for one protein / unit of heredity

what is the role of DNA is protein synthesis?

DNA is the blueprint for RNA

has genetic code needed to build every type of protein

what is the role of DNA in cell structure and function?

dependent on DNA determining what proteins the cells need to make

turns on certain genes depending on the cell it needs to create

what is the nature and importance of genetic code?

blueprint that cells use to go from DNA > RNA > amino acids to build proteins

why is protein synthesis important?

reason why cells function / appear the way they look because of the proteins it makes by turning certain genes on and off

describe the 5 steps of protein synthesis

1) starts in nucleus : DNA houses instructions to make proteins (blueprint)

2) transcription : DNA → mRNA

• DNA double-helix uncoils a little for enzyme to make mRNA (copy)

3) mRNA leaves nucleus to bind to ribosome in cytosol or rough ER

4) transcription : mRNA → protein

• changes language from nucleotides to amino acids

• allows ribosome to assemble amino acids to make protein

5) protein sent to golgi apparatus

• last minute changes

• sends protein to desired location (organelle, extracellular fluid) through vesicles

what is protein synthesis?

assembling functional polypeptides in cytoplasm

what is gene activation?

uncoil DNA and temporarily removing histones

turns certain genes on and off