1. Protein Synthesis

2. What is the central dogma of biology?

3. Transcription: Initiation

4. Transcription: Initiation
RNA polymerase attaches to a “promoter” sequence in front (“upstream”) of a gene
Eukaryotes only: RNA polymerase requires multiple “Transcription factor” proteins to be able to bind to the promoter

5. Transcription: Elongation

6. Transcription: Elongation
RNA production occurs in a 5’ to 3’ direction
RNA Polymerase catalyzes the synthesis of an RNA strand from a single DNA strand (Template Strand)

7. Transcription: Termination

8. Transcription: Termination
RNA Polymerase continues to add nucleotides until a terminator sequence is reached
Once completed, mRNA transcript gets modified in eukaryotes only

9. Post-Transcriptional mRNA processing (EUKARYOTES ONLY!)
Exons are the “coding” regions of the DNA and Introns are the “noncoding” regions of the DNA

10. How is the mRNA transcript modified?
The introns must be removed and the exons must be spliced together prior to the mRNA leaving the nucleus
**This is required to produce a functional protein

11. How is the mRNA transcript modified?
A “G-cap” (g nucleotide) and “Poly-A tail” (AAAAA) is added to the transcript to facilitate its movement to the cytoplasm

12. How does alternative splicing contribute to the production of various proteins?
Having multiple exons in a gene allows eukaryotes to make multiple functioning proteins from one gene

13. Ribosomes Site of Translation (2nd stage of P.S.)
“non-membrane” bound organelle found in all cells
Composed of two subunits
Structure allows for interaction with mRNA and tRNA molecules

14. tRNA
Transfer RNA
Bring specific amino acids to the ribosome, as dictated by the mRNA sequence
Anticodon region interacts with mRNA

15. The Genetic Code

16. The Genetic Code Universal across ALL domains of Life!
Triplet Code: mRNA is read in units of three adjacent bases (codons)
There are 64 possible codons (for 20 amino acids)
The code is redundant and unambiguous
The code has “start” and “stop” codons

17. Translation: Initiation

18. Translation: Initiation
mRNA interacts with the ribosome to begin translation at the START codon (AUG) closest to the 5’ end of the mRNA
tRNA molecule brings methionine (amino acid coded for by AUG codon)

19. Translation: Elongation

20. Translation: Elongation
Subsequent amino acids are brought to the ribosome by tRNA molecules as specified by subsequent, adjacent codons
Each amino acid is transferred to a growing polypeptide chain
Peptide bonds formed between chain and new amino acid
Empty tRNA molecule exits the ribosome and picks up another amino acid
REPEAT!!!!

21. Translation: Termination

22. Translation: Termination
Once a Stop codon is reached
Release factor protein binds and the polypeptide is released from the ribosome
Polypeptide moves to golgi body or cytoplasm for further processing
The ribosome disassembles

23. How does prokaryotic protein synthesis compare to eukaryotic?

24. How does prokaryotic compare to eukaryotic protein synthesis?
Transcription: Prokaryotes can bind DIRECTLY to the promoter region (no transcription factors required)
No Post-transcription modification of RNA
Prokaryotes have no nucleus so Transcription and Translation are coupled (occur together) – RNA is transcribed and translated at the same time

25. What is a polyribosome? How do prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms benefit from them?
Many ribosomes translating the same RNA transcript
Enables simultaneous translation of one transcript