The Protein Synthesis Process

Each cell has a nucleus that contains the genome. In humans, the genome is made up of 23 chromosomes.

The chromosomes contain strands of DNA. When needed, these strands of DNA are taken up by an enzyme called RNA polymerase.

The RNA polymerase takes these strands of DNA and transcribes the DNA into corresponding strands of RNA using the genetic code. It can be notated as follows:

1. Adenine transcribes to thymine and vice versa (A ⟷ T)

2. Guanine transcribes to cytosine and vice versa (G ⟷ C)

These new strands of RNA are called messenger RNA, or mRNA for short. When done, these mRNA strands are sent out of the nucleus into the cytoplasm.

The mRNA strands are then taken by the ribosomes. The ribosomes synthesize proteins using amino acids.

Using the mRNA strands as a guide, the ribosomes read the genetic code of mRNA in three sets of triplets. Then, the transfer RNA, or tRNA for short, brings the amino acids necessary to the ribosome.

The ribosome then chains the amino acids together.

Once the mRNA strand signals an end to the protein, the protein is sent out. It then takes a complex, 3D shape called a conformation. The protein is now free to serve its purpose.