GENE EXPRESSION / PROTEIN SYNTHESIS AN OVERVIEW
Gene:. A segment of DNA that specifies the Gene: A segment of DNA that specifies the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide (protein) Remember proteins have many different functions: Hormones Enzymes Antibodies Transport Structural DNA does not directly control protein synthesis, instead its code is transcribed into RNA
3 types one type in nucleus & cytoplasm in nucleus only single-stranded double-stranded no particular shape helix
Three Classes of RNA: Messenger RNA (mRNA) Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) Takes a message from DNA to the ribosomes Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) Makes up ribosomes (along with proteins) Transfer RNA (tRNA) Carries amino acids to ribosomes
Gene Expression/Protein Synthesis Gene Expression Requires Two Steps: Transcription – making mRNA from DNA code Translation – assembly of polypeptides based on mRNA sequence Remember: Ribosomes = assembly site of polypeptides **
1) Transcription a segment of the DNA serves as a template for the production of mRNA Only one strand serves as the template = the sense strand; the other strand is called the non-sense (or antisense) strand RNA polymerase binds and unwinds the DNA strand DNA helix is opened so complementary base pairing can occur RNA polymerase joins new RNA nucleotides in a sequence complementary to that on the DNA This creates mRNA! **
Once produced, the mRNA strand is processed Introns (non-coding regions) are cut out The mRNA leaves the nucleus
2) Translation Takes place at the ribosomes Ribosome has a binding site for mRNA and tRNA mRNA attaches to and is “read by” ribosome
Each amino acid is coded for by 3 bases = triplet code Each three-letter unit of mRNA = codon There are 22 amino acids but some amino acids are specified by more than one codon There are “start” & “stop” codons as well This genetic code is universal the same codons stand for the same amino acids in all living things
Messenger RNA Codons
Steps in Translation: Initiation: mRNA, with its “start” codon (AUG) attaches to the ribosome. tRNA’s anticodon (UAC) binds to the mRNA’s “start” codon at the first binding site (P)
2. Elongation: The next complementary tRNA molecule attaches to the next binding site (A) Peptide bonds form between the two amino acids
Ribosome moves down the mRNA chain in the 3’ direction tRNA is ejected from the E binding site Elongation in repeated until a “stop” codon is reached
3. Termination: “stop” codon (UAA, UAG, or UGA) is at the A-binding site A release factor protein binds to the stop codon & breaks the bond between the tRNA & the polypeptide Released polypeptide forms a protein