How are proteins made? Translation and transcription

• What is the process of making proteins called?

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

  Transcription and translation
• What happens during transcription?

  A gene of DNA is copied into mRNA
• What is the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

  They produce proteins using mRNA
• What does mRNA stand for?

  Messenger RNA
• Why can't DNA leave the nucleus?

  Because DNA is too large
• What is the structure of mRNA compared to DNA?

  Single strand and shorter
• What base does mRNA contain instead of thymine?

  Uracil
• What enzyme initiates transcription?

  RNA polymerase
• What happens to the DNA strands during transcription?

  They separate to expose bases
• How do mRNA bases pair with DNA bases?

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

  A specific amino acid
• What is the role of tRNA in translation?

  It brings amino acids to the ribosome
• How does tRNA ensure the correct amino acid is added?

  By matching its anticodon to mRNA codon
• What happens to the amino acid chain after translation?

  It folds to form a protein
• What are the steps involved in translation?

  1. mRNA binds to ribosome
  2. tRNA brings amino acids
  3. Ribosome joins amino acids
  4. Process repeats until protein is formed
  5. Amino acid chain detaches and folds
• What are the differences between DNA and mRNA?

  • DNA: Double-stranded, contains thymine
  • mRNA: Single-stranded, contains uracil
  • DNA: Longer, contains entire genetic code
  • mRNA: Shorter, copies single gene
• What is the significance of codons in protein synthesis?

  • Codons are triplets of bases
  • Each codon codes for a specific amino acid
  • Essential for building proteins accurately
• What is the role of the nucleus in protein synthesis?

  • Contains DNA with genetic information
  • Site of transcription to produce mRNA
  • Protects DNA from damage during synthesis
• What is the function of ribosomes in cells?

  • Sites of protein synthesis
  • Translate mRNA into amino acid sequences
  • Facilitate the joining of amino acids