Understanding Protein Synthesis

Front

What is protein synthesis?

Back

The process by which cells create proteins based on the genetic instructions carried by DNA.

Front

What are the two main stages of protein synthesis?

Back

Transcription and Translation.

Front

What happens during transcription?

Back

The DNA sequence of a gene is copied into mRNA.

Front

Where does translation occur in a cell?

Back

At the ribosome in the cytoplasm.

Front

What is mRNA?

Back

Messenger RNA; it carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome.

Front

What is the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

Back

Ribosomes are the sites where proteins are assembled from amino acids.

Front

What is tRNA?

Back

Transfer RNA; it brings amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

Front

What is the role of amino acids in protein synthesis?

Back

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.

Front

What is the genetic code?

Back

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

Front

What is a codon?

Back

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