6.1.5

Protein Synthesis

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Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is how our bodies make proteins.

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Codon

  • Each amino acid is coded for by a specific sequence of three bases (called a codon).
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Order of bases

  • The order of the bases on the DNA tells us the order for combining amino acids to create particular proteins.
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Different proteins

  • We can change the protein made by a gene by altering the sequence of bases in that gene.

Protein Synthesis

The process of protein synthesis (creation) happens like this:

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Template taken

  • A template is taken from the DNA and leaves the nucleus.
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Template used

  • The template is used to guide protein synthesis on ribosomes located in the cytoplasm.
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Delivery of amino acids

  • Specific amino acids are delivered by carrier molecules to the protein chain, where they are added in the order shown on the template.
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Unique structure created

  • Once complete, the long protein chain folds up, giving it a unique structure.
  • This unique structure is essential to the protein’s function, in the form of enzymes, hormones, or structural proteins (e.g. collagen).

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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