Protein Synthesis

Front

What is protein synthesis?

Back

Protein synthesis is the process by which cells generate new proteins, involving two main stages: transcription and translation.

Front

What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

Back

mRNA (messenger RNA) carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.

Front

What is the function of tRNA in translation?

Back

tRNA (transfer RNA) transports specific amino acids to the ribosome during translation, matching them to the corresponding codons on the mRNA.

Front

What is a codon?

Back

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid or stop signal during protein synthesis.

Front

What is the start codon and its significance?

Back

The start codon is AUG, which signals the beginning of translation and codes for the amino acid methionine.

Front

What are stop codons?

Back

Stop codons (UAA, UAG, UGA) signal the termination of protein synthesis, indicating that the polypeptide chain is complete.

Front

What is the genetic code?

Back

The genetic code is a set of rules that defines how the sequence of nucleotides in DNA and RNA is translated into the amino acid sequence of proteins.

Front

How does transcription differ from translation?

Back

Transcription is the process of copying DNA into mRNA, while translation is the process of decoding mRNA to synthesize proteins.

Front

What is the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

Back

Ribosomes are the cellular structures where translation occurs, facilitating the assembly of amino acids into polypeptide chains.

Front

What is an amino acid?

Back

An amino acid is a building block of proteins, consisting of an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a unique side chain.