Protein synthesis

• Protein synthesis is a vital biological process where cells produce proteins, which are essential for nearly all cellular functions.
• This process is directed by genetic information in DNA and occurs in two main stages: transcription and translation.

Transcription of Protein synthesis:

• Location: Takes place in the nucleus.

Process:

• Protein synthesis enzyme RNA polymerase binds to the DNA at a specific site called the promoter, initiating the unwinding of the DNA helix.
• RNA polymerase synthesizes a complementary mRNA strand using the DNA template (adenine pairs with uracil, and cytosine pairs with guanine).
• The newly formed mRNA undergoes processing, including the addition of a 5′ cap and a 3′ poly-A tail.
• The processed mRNA is then transported to the cytoplasm for the next stage.

Translation of Protein synthesis:

• Location: Occurs in the cytoplasm on ribosomes.

Process:

• Ribosomes read the mRNA sequence in sets of three nucleotides (codons), each specifying an amino acid.
• Transfer RNA (tRNA), with its attached amino acid, recognizes specific codons via its anticodon and pairs with the mRNA.
• The ribosome catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds, linking amino acids into a polypeptide chain.
• Translation continues until a stop codon is reached, signaling the completion of the polypeptide.
• The polypeptide then undergoes folding and modifications to become a fully functional protein.

Function of Proteins

• Proteins play crucial roles in:
  • Structural support (e.g., in cells and tissues).
  • Acting as enzymes to speed up biochemical reactions.
  • Transporting molecules across cell membranes.
  • Involvement in cell signaling and immune defense.
• The function of a protein is determined by its 3D structure, which is dictated by its amino acid sequence, directly linking genes to protein function.

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