1. 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

2. DNA vs. RNA
Double strand vs. Single strand

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Protein Synthesis: Transcription

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Protein Synthesis: Translation