Translation Protein

Synthesis
Transcription
Review
Codons
Ribosomes
tRNA
Start and Stop
Codons
Protein synthesis

Introduction to Protein Synthesis

How does the DNA

make proteins?

DNA Proteins
It is a two step process:
1) Transcription - is the mechanism by which the
information encoded in DNA is transcribed into a
complementary RNA copy.
-

Transcription occurs in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell.

2) Translation is the assembly of amino acids into a

polypeptide using the information encoded in the mRNA.

Transcription Review Step 1:

Initiation
RNA polymerase attaches to DNA in
the nucleus
The binding occurs at a promoter: a
specialized sequence on one strand of
DNA, located just upstream from the
start of the gene.

Step 2: Elongation
DNA splits where RNA polymerase binds
and starts to unravel.
RNA polymerase attaches matching
bases to form a new RNA strand from the
DNA template.
RNA is made in the 53 direction, using
the 35 DNA strand as a template
strand.

Step 3: Termination
When RNA polymerase reaches the
termination site, copying stops
RNA polymerase leaves the DNA.
RNA strand is released.
DNA rewinds itself into the double helix.

Translation
From RNA to proteins
Translation is the assembly of amino acids
into a polypeptide using the information
encoded in the mRNA.

Codons & The Genetic

Code

How does the mRNA code for

proteins?

It uses Codons 3 bases on an

mRNA that code for a specific
amino acid.

Genetic Codes for Amino Acids

Each amino acid has a code or code(s) that are
specific for it
The codons on mRNA determine the sequence
of the amino acids. The sequence determines
the type of protein created.
Notice anything about the third base?

MEANWHILE, also out in the

cytoplasm

Transfer RNA contains an anticodon

(opposite to the codon)
and an amino acid

Ribosomes are also out in the

cytoplasm

Ribosomes have 2
subunits.

The mRNA attaches

to the small subunit
and the large one
joins the fun!
Ribosomes are where
protein synthesis
occurs!

With these three things in the

cytoplasm

mRNA binds with the ribosomes

small subunit this allows the
large subunit to bind as well.

A start codon (AUG) on mRNA

signals the beginning of an amino
acid chain.

A tRNA with anticodon UAC can

now bind to mRNA because the
bases match up.
Occurs at the P Site

The amino acid methionine from

the tRNA becomes the first
amino acid on the new protein
strand.

 Another tRNA with

the complementary
anticodon to the next
codon on the mRNA
joins the party at the
A site
The first and second a.a.
form a peptide bond via
peptidyl transferase
The first tRNA releases
the chain and moves to
the E site (not shown
here)
It then leaves to go get
another amino acid

TIME TO STOP
When a stop codon
(UAG,UGA,UAA)
reaches the A site,
there is no anticodon
for it, so the ribosome
falls apart releasing the
new protein chain

Translation

Its a continuous
process

This process increases the production of

crucial proteins

The Big Picture

DNA to Protein