4.2 DNA and protein synthesis

• Protein synthesis is the process which produces proteins from the information in the DNA code. It takes place in two stages:

  • Transcription
  • Translation
• Protein synthesis is the process which produces proteins from the information in the DNA code. It takes place in two stages:

  • TRANSCRIPTION - the DNA code is copied (transcribed) into a single strand of RNA called messenger RNA
• Protein synthesis is the process which produces proteins from the information in the DNA code. It takes place in two stages:

  • TRANSLATION - the mRNA is read by a ribosome and the code is 'translated' into a polypeptide chain
• Protein synthesis is the process which produces proteins from the information in the DNA code. It takes place in two stages:

  • TRANSCRIPTION - the DNA code is copied (transcribed) into a single strand of RNA called messenger RNA
  • TRANSLATION - the mRNA is read by a ribosome and the code is 'translated' into a polypeptide chain
• Transcription takes place in the nucleus of cells. It is necessary because the DNA molecule itself is a large molecule that cannot get through the nuclear pores, so smaller mRNA is used to 'copy' a section of DNA which codes for a protein and this mRNA then leaves the nucleus and joins with a ribosome where the protein is then synthesised
• Genome - The complete set of genes in a cell
• Proteome - The full range of proteins that a cell is able to produce