Two distinct processes involved in protein synthesis: Transcription and Translation.
Importance of understanding where these processes occur and what they produce.
The process where DNA is used as a template to produce a specific type of RNA, known as messenger RNA (mRNA).
Occurs in the nucleus of a cell, where DNA is housed.
Produces messenger RNA (mRNA).
mRNA serves as a copy of the genetic information contained in DNA for protein synthesis.
DNA is double-stranded; RNA is single-stranded.
Base difference: In RNA, uracil (U) replaces thymine (T) found in DNA.
Complementary base pairing where adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U) instead of thymine.
The process by which mRNA is used to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain or protein.
Occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell.
Results in the formation of a protein through the assembly of amino acids.
tRNA is responsible for delivering individual amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain.
tRNA binds to specific mRNA codons, facilitating amino acid assembly in the correct order.
Ribosomes read the mRNA sequence and facilitate the bonding of tRNA molecules, thereby building the protein strand.
mRNA is synthesized using DNA as a template via complementary base pairing:
A (Adenine) pairs with U (Uracil)
C (Cytosine) pairs with G (Guanine)
There are 20 distinct amino acids that can be combined in various sequences to form proteins.
The sequence of nucleotides in mRNA determines the order of amino acids in the resulting protein.
A mutation is a change in genetic information which may affect protein synthesis.
Spontaneous Mutations: Occur randomly, often due to errors during replication.
Induced Mutations: Result from exposure to mutagens (chemicals, radiation, etc.).
A type of spontaneous mutation where an alteration does not result in a different amino acid being produced, hence having no effect on protein function.
Some mutations can have no effect, others could be beneficial, while some can lead to diseases like sickle cell disease or Tay-Sachs disease.
Where do transcription and translation occur?
Transcription: Nucleus
Translation: Cytoplasm
What is produced in each process?
Transcription: mRNA
Translation: Protein (via amino acids)