Protein synthesis

• Reproduction occurs in all organisms
• DNA is important as it allows new proteins to be synthesized
• Mutations in the DNA can have serious implications
• The DNA code for the protein remains in the nucleus, but a copy called mRNA moves to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm where proteins are synthesized
• The protein produced depends on the template used, and if this sequence changes, a different protein will be made
• Carrier molecules bring specific amino acids to add to the growing protein in the correct order
• There are only about 20 different naturally-occurring amino acids
• Amino acids are connected together in a specific order at the ribosome to create a specific protein molecule
• Each protein molecule has hundreds or even thousands of amino acids joined together in a unique sequence and is folded into the correct unique shape
• Proteins do various jobs such as enzymes or hormones and can form structures within the body, such as collagen
• DNA structure determines the protein synthesized, and if this changes, a different protein will be made
• A copy of the DNA is made, which is now mRNA, and it moves to the ribosome in the cytoplasm
• Learn more about protein synthesis with Dr. Alex Lathbridge