1. Protein Synthesis The making of Proteins
Proteins: a combination of Amino acids
DNA determines what the protein will look like
RNA puts the protein together
RNA takes DNA instructions to the Ribosomes
RNA reads DNA’s message & puts the protein together

3. Step #1: Transcription
DNA makes the RNA strand (mRNA) that will leave the nucleus and go to the ribosomes
Transcription = DNA → mRNA

4. Transcription
Steps:
1. DNA unzips & RNA in the cytoplasm bonds to make mRNA
2. mRNA leaves nucleus & goes to ribosomes
Transcription

5. DNA to mRNA

6. Codon
Each combination of 3 bases (AUG, ACA) code for a specific amino acid.

7. Amino Acids 20 Different Amino Acids
Chemical building blocks of Proteins
20 Different Amino Acids
More than one codon for each amino acid. (see chart)
Stop Codon: stops the production of the protein

8. Translation / Protein Synthesis
The original code for the protein from DNA is translated into a protein.

9. Process: 2. mRNA codons are pointed out to tRNA
1. mRNA is on ribosomes
2. mRNA codons are pointed out to tRNA
3. tRNA picks up and brings in amino acids to mRNA for protein assembly.
4. Process continues until stop codon is reached!
translation

12. Translation:

13. A permanent change in the DNA sequence of a gene.
Mutations
A permanent change in the DNA sequence of a gene.
Mutations in a gene's DNA sequence can alter the amino acid sequence of the protein, thereby changing the protein produced.

14. A mistake in a letter of the DNA which changes the codon Example:
DNA: GCA TGC TGC GAA ACT TTG
mRNA: CGU ACG ACG CUU UGA AAG
Mutation:
DNA: GCA TAC TGC GAT ACT TTG

17. Importance of Mutations:
Many don’t matter (base is wrong, but same amino acid is made)
Some cause drastic changes in the protein & disrupt normal functions (diseases & cancer)
Some result in good variations