Protein Synthesis

Front

What is protein synthesis?

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

Front

What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

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

Front

What is translation in the context of protein synthesis?

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Translation is the process where ribosomes read the sequence of mRNA and assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain.

Front

What is the significance of the order of amino acids in a protein?

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The order of amino acids determines the protein's structure and function; even a single change can affect its activity.

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What is a codon?

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A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Front

What is an anticodon?

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An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that pairs with a complementary codon in mRNA during translation.

Front

What is the function of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

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Ribosomes are the cellular machinery that facilitate the translation of mRNA into proteins.

Front

What is the role of tRNA in protein synthesis?

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

Front

What is the start codon and its significance?

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The start codon (AUG) signals the beginning of translation and codes for the amino acid methionine.

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What are the stop codons?

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Stop codons (UAA, UAG, UGA) signal the end of protein synthesis, causing the ribosome to release the newly formed polypeptide.