Protein Synthesis

Front

What is protein synthesis?

Back

The process by which cells generate new proteins, involving transcription of DNA to mRNA and translation of mRNA to amino acids.

Front

What are the two main stages of protein synthesis?

Back

Transcription and Translation.

Front

What is transcription?

Back

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA, specifically mRNA.

Front

What is translation?

Back

The process of decoding mRNA to synthesize a polypeptide chain (protein) using ribosomes.

Front

What is a codon?

Back

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Front

What is an anticodon?

Back

A sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that is complementary to a codon in mRNA.

Front

What role do ribosomes play in protein synthesis?

Back

Ribosomes are the cellular machinery that facilitate the translation of mRNA into a protein.

Front

Why does the order of amino acids in a protein matter?

Back

The order determines the protein's structure and function, affecting how it interacts with other molecules.

Front

What is the start codon?

Back

AUG, which codes for Methionine and signals the start of translation.

Front

What is a stop codon?

Back

A codon that signals the termination of protein synthesis; examples include UAA, UAG, and UGA.