2. Protein Synthesis: Translation

Front

What is the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

Back

Ribosomes are the organelles that synthesize proteins by translating mRNA into amino acid sequences.

Front

Define translation in the context of protein synthesis.

Back

Translation is the process in which the sequence of nucleotides in mRNA is decoded to produce a specific polypeptide or protein.

Front

What is a codon?

Back

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

Front

How many amino acids are coded by a sequence of 12 nucleotides?

Back

A sequence of 12 nucleotides codes for 4 amino acids, as each amino acid is coded by a sequence of 3 nucleotides.

Front

Where does translation occur in the cell?

Back

Translation occurs in the cytoplasm, specifically on the ribosomes.

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 is the difference between mRNA and tRNA?

Back

mRNA (messenger RNA) carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, while tRNA (transfer RNA) brings the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

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.

Front

What is a stop codon?

Back

A stop codon is a nucleotide triplet within mRNA that signals the termination of translation, indicating that the protein synthesis is complete.

Front

How do ribosomes read mRNA during translation?

Back

Ribosomes read mRNA in sets of three nucleotides (codons) and match them with the corresponding tRNA carrying the appropriate amino acid.