Protein Synthesis Chapter 11
RNA Genes are coded DNA instructions that control protein production First, DNA must be copied to RNA RNA structure: identical to DNA except: Sugar = Ribose (not deoxyribose) N base = C, G, A, and Uracil (U) (replaces thymine) Single-stranded
Types of RNA Main function RNA: to assemble amino acids into proteins Messenger RNA (mRNA): carry copies of instructions to make proteins from DNA in nucleus → cytoplasm (ribosomes) Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): help make ribosomes Transfer RNA (tRNA): transfers amino acids to ribosomes for protein assembly
Transcription Transcription: process by which portion of DNA is copied to complementary RNA sequence inside nucleus Requires RNA polymerase (an enzyme) Binds to DNA and separates strands Uses DNA strand as template to make RNA complement
The Genetic Code “Language” of mRNA instructions Read 3 letters at a time, called a codon, that specify a single amino acid 64 total possible codons → 20 amino acids Example: UCGCAG = UCG + CAG Serine + Glutamine… → Protein (polypeptide)
Translation Translation: the decoding of an mRNA sequence into amino acids on ribosomes Begins at AUG (“start” codon) Codons of mRNA match up with Anticodons of complementary tRNA Translation continues until a “stop” codon is read (UAA, UAG, UGA) Result is chain of new proteins!!
Protein Assembly Amino acids connect with peptide bonds to form proteins (“polypeptides”) Proper synthesis of proteins is essential to organism survival Proteins are enzymes – control most chemical reactions i.e.: photosynthesis, cellular respiration, etc. “By coding for proteins, DNA holds the key to life” Protein Synthesis