Nucleic Acids: RNA Ribonucleic Acid: RNA RNA is a single strand, not double The base Uracil is used instead of Thymine The sugar molecule is ribose, not deoxyribose
DNA vs. RNA Double strand vs. Single strand
RNA There are 3 types of RNA Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) - makes up part of the ribosome Messenger RNA (mRNA) - brings the code or message of DNA from the nucleus to the ribosome Transfer RNA (tRNA) - carries amino acids to the mRNA at the ribosome
Protein Synthesis Protein synthesis - cells make different kinds of proteins by using different combinations of amino acids DNA determines which proteins are made. The sequence of DNA bases is a code for proteins. RNA is needed to put proteins together.
Protein Synthesis: Transcription Transcription - process of making mRNA DNA is used as a template, or pattern. During transcription, the DNA “unzips”. RNA nucleotides (in the nucleoplasm) go to the DNA and bond to a complimentary base on one strand of the DNA.
Protein Synthesis: Transcription 3 bases in a strand of DNA form a “word”, in the making of a protein. The 3 letters AUG are always used to start a message. UAA, UAG, and UGA are always used to end the message.
Protein Synthesis: Transcription Codon - 3 bases on the mRNA form a code for one specific amino acid. Once a stop message is reached, the mRNA separates from the DNA strand. The DNA zips back up. The mRNA moves out into the cytoplasm in search of a ribosome.
Protein Synthesis: Transcription
Protein Synthesis: Translation Translation - the original code of DNA carried by the mRNA is “translated” into a protein. During translation, mRNA temporarily binds to a ribosome. The ribosome appears to move along the mRNA and “point out” each codon to tRNA.
Protein Synthesis: Translation TransferRNA, picks up individual amino acids and brings (transfers) them to the mRNA. Each tRNA unit can bond to a complimentary mRNA codon. 3 tRNA bases are called an anticodon. After two amino acids are placed in the proper order, a peptide bond is formed.
Protein Synthesis: Translation After the peptide bond has formed, the weak bond between tRNA and the amino acid is broken. The tRNA is free to find another amino acid. This process continues until the protein is complete.
Protein Synthesis: Translation