Protein synthesis

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid, the genetic material that stores genetic instructions.

Structure of DNA

Double helix consisting of a sugar-phosphate backbone and base pairs.

Nucleotide

The building block of DNA, consisting of a phosphate, sugar (deoxyribose), and a nitrogen base.

Base Pairing in DNA

A pairs with T and C pairs with G.

Function of DNA

Stores genetic instructions, organized into genes that code for proteins.

RNA

Ribonucleic Acid, a molecule that plays a key role in protein synthesis.

Structure of RNA

Single-stranded structure with ribose as sugar.

Bases in RNA

A, U, C, G (U replaces T from DNA).

Base Pairing (DNA → RNA)

A pairs with U, T with A, C with G, and G with C.

mRNA

Messenger RNA, carries instructions from DNA and contains codons.

tRNA

Transfer RNA, brings amino acids to the ribosome and has an anticodon.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA, makes up the ribosome and helps build protein.

Transcription

The process of copying DNA into mRNA, occurring in the nucleus.

Translation

The process of reading mRNA to synthesize proteins, occurring at the ribosome.

Codon

A sequence of three mRNA bases that corresponds to one amino acid.

Anticodon

A sequence of three tRNA bases that matches a codon in mRNA.

Gene

A segment of DNA that codes for a protein.

Key Flow in Protein Synthesis

DNA → mRNA → Ribosome → tRNA → Amino Acids → Protein.

Memory Hacks

Mnemonic devices to remember DNA/RNA components and functions.