How are Proteins Made?

• What is the process of making proteins called?

  Protein synthesis
• What are the two main steps of protein synthesis?

  Transcription and translation
• What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

  It carries the genetic code to ribosomes
• What happens during transcription?

  A gene of DNA is copied into mRNA
• Where is the genetic material of a cell contained?

  In the nucleus
• Why is DNA essential to life?

  It contains thousands of genes
• What do genes code for?

  A specific sequence of amino acids
• What is the function of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

  They read mRNA to produce proteins
• Why can't DNA leave the nucleus?

  Because it is too large
• What does mRNA stand for?

  Messenger RNA
• How does mRNA differ from DNA?

  It is shorter and single-stranded
• What base does mRNA contain instead of thymine?

  Uracil
• What is the role of RNA polymerase in transcription?

  It binds to DNA and synthesizes mRNA
• What happens to the DNA strands during transcription?

  They separate to expose bases
• How are mRNA bases paired with DNA bases?

  They are complementary to each other
• What does a triplet or codon in mRNA code for?

  A specific amino acid
• How many different amino acids do cells use?

  20 different amino acids
• What is the role of tRNA in translation?

  It brings amino acids to the ribosome
• What is an anticodon?

  A sequence of three bases on tRNA
• How does tRNA ensure the correct amino acid is brought to the ribosome?

  It has an anticodon complementary to mRNA
• What happens when the ribosome reaches the end of the mRNA?

  The amino acid chain detaches and folds
• What are the steps of transcription?

  1. RNA polymerase binds to DNA
  2. DNA strands separate
  3. RNA polymerase reads DNA bases
  4. Complementary mRNA bases are added
  5. mRNA strand is formed and detaches
• What are the steps of translation?

  1. mRNA binds to ribosome
  2. tRNA brings amino acids
  3. Ribosome joins amino acids together
  4. Process repeats until protein is complete
  5. Amino acid chain detaches and folds
• Compare the roles of mRNA and tRNA in protein synthesis.

  • mRNA: Carries genetic code from nucleus to ribosome
  • tRNA: Brings specific amino acids to ribosome
• What are the key differences between DNA and RNA?

  • DNA: Double-stranded, contains thymine
  • RNA: Single-stranded, contains uracil