7.2.1

Introduction to Transcription & Protein Synthesis

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Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is the process of making proteins in the cells.

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The genome

  • The genome is the complete set of genes in an individual's DNA.
  • The genes in the genome encode the different proteins a cell needs.
  • The proteome is the full range of proteins an individual can produce.
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Base sequence

  • DNA is made from a combination of four different bases (A, T, C, G).
  • A specific sequence of three bases (called a codon) encodes a specific amino acid.
  • The order of the bases on the DNA tells us the order for combining amino acids to create particular proteins.
    • Each amino acid is encoded for by more than one codon.
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Processes

  • There are two processes involved in synthesizing protein from a base sequence. These are:
    • Transcription.
    • Translation.
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The Central Dogma

  • The flow of genetic information in cells from DNA to mRNA to protein is described by the Central Dogma
    • This states that genes specify the sequence of mRNAs, which in turn specify the sequence of proteins.
  • The decoding of one molecule to another is performed by specific proteins and RNAs.
  • Because the information stored in DNA is so central to cellular function, the cell makes mRNA copies of this information for protein synthesis to keep DNA intact and protected.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

2Molecular Biology

3Genetics

4Ecology

5Evolution & Biodiversity

6Human Physiology

7AHL: Nucleic Acids

8AHL: Metabolism, Cell Respiration & Photosynthesis

9AHL: Plant Biology

9.1Transport in the Xylem of Plants

9.2Transport in the Phloem of Plants

9.3Growth in Plants

10AHL: Genetics & Evolution

11AHL: Animal Physiology

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