Protein Synthesis

Front

What is protein synthesis?

Back

The process by which cells generate new proteins, involving transcription of DNA to mRNA and translation of mRNA to amino acids.

Front

What are the two main stages of protein synthesis?

Back

Transcription and Translation.

Front

What is transcription?

Back

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Front

What is translation?

Back

The process of decoding mRNA to synthesize a polypeptide chain (protein) at the ribosome.

Front

What is a mutation?

Back

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in protein structure and function.

Front

What is a substitution mutation?

Back

A type of mutation where one nucleotide is replaced by another, potentially altering the amino acid sequence.

Front

How many nucleotides are needed to code for one amino acid?

Back

Three nucleotides (a codon) are needed to code for one amino acid.

Front

What are codons?

Back

Sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that specify a particular amino acid.

Front

What role do ribosomes play in protein synthesis?

Back

Ribosomes are the cellular machinery that facilitate the translation of mRNA into a polypeptide chain.

Front

What is the role of tRNA in translation?

Back

tRNA (transfer RNA) brings the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.