Protein Synthesis
Biology: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 4.2.7
Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is how our bodies make proteins.
Codon
- Each amino acid is coded for by a specific sequence of three bases (called a codon).
Order of bases
- The order of the bases on the DNA tells us the order for combining amino acids to create particular proteins.
Different proteins
- We can change the protein made by a gene by altering the sequence of bases in that gene.
Unique structure
- The long protein chains made in protein synthesis fold up, giving them a unique structure.
- This unique structure is essential to the protein’s function, in the form of enzymes, hormones, or structural proteins.
Test yourself on Protein Synthesis
How long is the sequence of bases used to code for an amino acid?
If the order of bases on DNA changes, what happens to the proteins made using the DNA?