Protein synthesis
I can describe how cells use the instructions coded in DNA to assemble proteins.
Protein synthesis
I can describe how cells use the instructions coded in DNA to assemble proteins.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The sequence of nucleotides in a gene is a template for assembling proteins from amino acids in a particular order.
- To make a protein, a copy of a gene is made to form messenger RNA (mRNA) in the nucleus.
- The mRNA leaves the nucleus and moves to a ribosome in the cytoplasm.
- Transfer molecules (tRNA) carry specific amino acids to the ribosome.
- The ribosome joins amino acids in an order determined by the sequence of triplet codes in the mRNA.
Common misconception
DNA is the endpoint of a characteristic rather than the fact that it codes for proteins that give a protein; also that all characteristics are visible.
Clear examples, analogies and models to show the code in genes, leads to the order of an amino acids in a protein; examples of structural and functional proteins.
Keywords
Base - The part of the nucleotide that differs between the four types; A, T, C and G.
Amino acid - Small chemical group that makes up a protein polymer, there are 20 types.
Gene - A section of DNA that holds the genetic code for a protein.
MRNA - A copy of a gene that is made and transported from the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
Ribosome - A structure in all cells whose function is to build proteins.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
small molecules that are joined together to make protein polymers
the fluid part of a cell that contains the organelles
a section of DNA that holds the genetic code to build a protein
an organelle that is the site of protein synthesis
large organelle that contains the chromosomes