Proteins are encoded by genetic codes stored in DNA. The ribosome, the “protein synthesis machinery,” deciphers codons aligned along mRNA to synthesize a specific polypeptide, which then folds into a defined structure/conformation (1).

The genome of an organism is inscribed in DNA, or in some viruses RNA. The portion of the genome that codes for a protein or an RNA is referred to as a gene. Those genes that code for proteins are composed of tri-nucleotide units called codons, each coding for a single amino acid.

Most genes contain the information needed to make functional molecules called proteins. The type of RNA that contains the information for making a protein is called messenger RNA (mRNA) because it carries the information, or message, from the DNA out of the nucleus into the cytoplasm.

Gene. A segment of a DNA molecule (a sequence of bases) that codes for a particular protein and determines the traits (phenotype) of the individual. A gene is the basic unit of heredity in a living organism.

First, enzymes read the information in a DNA molecule and transcribe it into an intermediary molecule called messenger ribonucleic acid, or mRNA. Next, the information contained in the mRNA molecule is translated into the “language” of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.

mRNA provides the code that determines the order of amino acids in the protein; tRNA transports the amino acids to the ribosome to incorporate into the growing protein chain.

Although the outcome of protein synthesis can be involved and quite complex, its purpose is rather straightforward. The purpose of protein synthesis is simply to create a polypeptide — a protein made out of a chain of amino acids. In a hair follicle cell, a protein called keratin is made.

What is another word for protein?

Learning Outcomes

When connected together by a series of peptide bonds, amino acids form a polypeptide, another word for protein. The polypeptide will then fold into a specific conformation depending on the interactions (dashed lines) between its amino acid side chains.

Translation

When protein synthesis is taking place, enzymes link tRNA molecules to amino acids in a highly specific manner. For example, tRNA molecule X will link only to amino acid X; tRNA molecule Y will link only to amino acid Y. The third form of RNA is messenger RNA (mRNA).

Much like the processes of DNA replication and transcription, translation consists of three main stages: initiation, elongation, and termination. Initiation takes place with the binding of a ribosome to an mRNA transcript.

ribosomes

Ribosomes

the process by which amino acids are linearly arranged into proteins through the involvement of ribosomal RNA, transfer RNA, messenger RNA, and various enzymes.

Translation involves four steps:

• Initiation. The small subunit of the ribosome binds at the 5′ end of the mRNA molecule and moves in a 3′ direction until it meets a start codon (AUG).
• Elongation.
• Termination.
• Post-translation processing of the protein.

Terms in this set (31)

1. DNA strands separate.
2. mRNA leaves the nucleus and travels to ribosome.
3. Code on mRNA determines what amino acids can attach.
4. tRNA contains bases that recognize mRNA.
5. Amino acids line up in proper sequence on ribosome.
6. Peptide bonds form creating a peptide chain.