Protein Synthesis Quiz - Biology 101

The building blocks of proteins. All 20 amino acids must be present for protein synthesis to occur.

Cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis. Composed of proteins and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).

Special delivery trucks that carry specific amino acids to the ribosomes. There are at least 31 tRNAs in humans, each carrying a specific amino acid.

Enzymes that attach the correct amino acid to its corresponding tRNA. This process creates the aminoacyl tRNA complex, which is ready to be used in protein synthesis.

Ribosomes that float freely in the cytoplasm. They synthesize proteins that stay within the cell or travel to specific locations like the nucleus.

Ribosomes attached to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). They produce proteins that will be secreted from the cell or integrated into cellular membranes.

Multiple ribosomes translating a single mRNA molecule simultaneously. This speeds up protein synthesis in cells with high demand.

The process of converting the genetic code in mRNA into a protein. It involves three main steps: initiation, elongation, and termination.

The process where an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase attaches an amino acid to its corresponding tRNA molecule, creating a 'charged' tRNA ready for translation. This process requires energy from ATP.

The ability of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases to recognize both the amino acid and its specific tRNA, ensuring accuracy in protein synthesis. This includes proofreading mechanisms to correct errors if the wrong amino acid is attached.

RNA molecules that form the structural core of ribosomes. They are essential for the catalytic activity of the ribosome.

Messenger RNA, which carries the genetic code from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, providing the instructions for protein synthesis.

The process of initiating protein synthesis where the ribosome binds to mRNA and the first tRNA carrying methionine joins the complex.

A purine-rich sequence located 6-10 bases upstream of the AUG start codon in mRNA. It acts as a binding site for the ribosome in prokaryotes.

The first codon in a messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence that specifies the start of protein synthesis, typically AUG.

A special tRNA that carries the first amino acid, methionine, to the ribosome during translation initiation.

A specialized protein that helps initiate protein synthesis by bringing together the ribosome, mRNA, and the first tRNA.

The process in which the ribosome moves along the mRNA strand, reading codons and adding corresponding amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain.

The process that signals the end of translation, where the ribosome reaches a stop codon on the mRNA, releasing the newly synthesized polypeptide chain.

The process by which genetic information encoded in DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA), which then serves as a template for protein synthesis.

A set of three nucleotides on mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.

A special molecule that delivers the correct amino acid to the ribosome during translation.

The specific site on a ribosome where the incoming aminoacyl-tRNA binds during translation.

The site on a ribosome where the growing polypeptide chain is held during translation.

The process of adding an amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain during translation.

A short sequence of amino acids that directs a newly synthesized protein to its correct location within the cell, like a postal code.

The process of modifying a protein after its synthesis is complete, often to activate it or target it to a specific location.

The removal of a portion of a protein, usually a signal sequence, to activate it or make it functional.

The attachment of phosphate groups to a protein, often affecting its activity or function.

The attachment of sugar molecules to a protein, affecting its stability, location, or function.

The addition of a hydroxyl group to amino acids like proline and lysine, often important for collagen structure.

The process of tagging a protein with ubiquitin, marking it for degradation by the proteasome.

A cellular 'recycling center' that breaks down proteins tagged with ubiquitin.

The energy required for attaching an amino acid to a tRNA molecule comes from ATP.

The movement of the ribosome along the mRNA molecule by three nucleotides in the 3' direction, following peptide bond formation.

A sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that signals the end of protein synthesis, causing the ribosome to detach from the mRNA and release the newly formed polypeptide chain.

Proteins that bind to stop codons and cause the release of the polypeptide chain from the ribosome, ending translation.

The process of modifying a protein after its synthesis, often involving chemical modifications like phosphorylation or glycosylation.

The control of protein synthesis by regulating the initiation and elongation of translation. It is a crucial step in the precise control of cellular functions.

In eukaryotes, translation is regulated by covalent modification of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2), which can become inactive when phosphorylated. In addition, certain proteins can bind to mRNA and either inhibit its use by blocking translation or extend its use by protecting it from degradation.

The process of protein synthesis ends when a stop codon enters the ribosome's A site, triggering events that lead to the release of the polypeptide chain and disassembly of the translation machinery.