Protein synthesis

Definition

Protein synthesis is the biological process by which cells generate new proteins. It involves transcription of DNA into mRNA and translation of mRNA into a polypeptide chain.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Translation occurs in the ribosome where mRNA is decoded to produce a specific polypeptide.
2. tRNA molecules play a crucial role by bringing amino acids to the ribosome during translation.
3. The process starts with the initiation phase, followed by elongation, and ends with termination.
4. Codons, sequences of three nucleotides on mRNA, specify which amino acid will be added next during protein synthesis.
5. Post-translational modifications may occur after protein synthesis to ensure proper protein function.

Review Questions

• What role does tRNA play in protein synthesis?
• Describe the three main stages of translation.
• How do codons determine the sequence of amino acids in a protein?

Related terms

Transcription:

The process by which genetic information from DNA is copied into mRNA.

Ribosome:

A complex molecular machine that facilitates the translation of mRNA into a polypeptide chain.

mRNA (Messenger RNA): A type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.