Science Quiz Protein Synthesis

Protein Synthesis Overview

• One strand of RNA is transcribed from the unzipped DNA strands.
• mRNA (messenger RNA) transcribes genetic information from DNA and transports it to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
• tRNA (transfer RNA) is responsible for transporting amino acids to the ribosome, facilitating protein assembly.

RNA Structure and Function

• Each tRNA molecule has amino acids located at its end, which are essential for building proteins.
• An mRNA codon comprises three bases that encode for specific amino acids.
• Peptide bonds, a type of covalent bond, form between amino acids during protein construction.

Steps of Protein Synthesis

• The initial step of protein synthesis is known as transcription, where DNA is copied into mRNA in the nucleus.
• The next step involves mRNA entering ribosomes, which are sites for protein synthesis.
• Ribosomes attach to mRNA, allowing the translation process to begin in the cytoplasm.
• tRNA attaches to the corresponding mRNA codon, bringing specific amino acids to the ribosome.
• Within the ribosome, amino acids join together to form a polypeptide chain, which will become a protein.

Completion of Protein Synthesis

• The final step involves the complete peptide chain separating from the ribosome.
• The initial amino acid used (N-formyl-methionine) is removed from the peptide chain.
• The ribosome becomes available to initiate another round of protein synthesis after completion.