Introduction to Transcription & Protein Synthesis
Biology: IB Diploma Higher Level, topic 14.1.1
Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is the process of making proteins in the cells.
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.
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.
Processes
- There are two processes involved in synthesizing protein from a base sequence. These are:
- Transcription.
- Translation.
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.
Test yourself on Introduction to Transcription & Protein Synthesis
Which of the following statements about protein synthesis are true?
Which of these is NOT a process involved in protein synthesis?
Which of the following best describes the "Central Dogma"?