Protein synthesis
Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis (/ˈproʊtiːn ˈsɪnθɪsɪs/) is a biological process that allows individual cells to build specific proteins. Both DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) are involved in the process, which is initiated in the cell's nucleus. The specific sequence of amino acids establishes the structure and function of each protein. Protein synthesis is a fundamental part of cellular function.
Etymology
The term "protein synthesis" is derived from the Greek word "proteios", meaning "primary" or "in the lead", and the English word "synthesis", which means "putting together".
Process
Protein synthesis involves two major steps: transcription and translation. During transcription, the information in a DNA strand is copied into a new molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA then leaves the nucleus and moves to the cell's cytoplasm, where translation occurs. During translation, the mRNA works with a ribosome and tRNA (transfer RNA) to synthesize proteins.
Transcription
Transcription is the first step in protein synthesis. It occurs in the nucleus of the cell. During transcription, a DNA sequence is read by an RNA polymerase, which produces a complementary, antiparallel RNA strand. As a result, the mRNA produced has a codon sequence complementary to the DNA from which it was transcribed.
Translation
Translation is the second step in protein synthesis. It occurs in the cytoplasm. During translation, the mRNA produced in transcription is decoded by a ribosome to produce a specific amino acid chain, or polypeptide. The polypeptide later folds into an active protein and performs its functions in the cell.
Related Terms
- Amino Acid: Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins. There are 20 standard amino acids, each of which is coded for by a three-nucleotide sequence in the mRNA.
- Codon: A codon is a sequence of three DNA or RNA nucleotides that corresponds with a specific amino acid or stop signal during protein synthesis.
- Ribosome: Ribosomes are molecular machines that synthesize proteins in cells. They bind mRNA and tRNA to synthesize polypeptides and proteins.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Protein synthesis
- Wikipedia's article - Protein synthesis
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