Protein Synthesis

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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 protein.

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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.

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What is transcription?

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The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA, specifically mRNA, which occurs in the nucleus.

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What is translation?

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The process of decoding mRNA to synthesize a protein, occurring at the ribosome.

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What is the role of tRNA in protein synthesis?

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tRNA (transfer RNA) brings amino acids from the cytoplasm to the ribosome, matching them to the mRNA sequence.

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What are ribosomes?

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Cellular structures where protein synthesis occurs, composed of rRNA and proteins.

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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 the genetic code?

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The set of rules by which information encoded in mRNA is translated into proteins, consisting of codons.

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What is a codon?

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A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.

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What is the start codon?

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AUG, which signals the beginning of translation and codes for the amino acid methionine.