DNA Replication and Protein Synthesis
DNA Replication and Protein Synthesis
and Protein
Synthesis
I. DNA – Deoxyribonucleic
Acid
Complementary strand:
___________________________
IV. Introduction to RNA
DNA = A-T-C-T-G-T-T-A
RNA = ?
The DNA code is determined
by how the 4 nitrogen bases
are arranged.
Why does DNA code for
proteins and NOT other
molecules??
• Because proteins control the
biochemical pathways in cells.
II. Nature of the Genetic
Code
Genes are “directions” that
help make proteins
Each combination of 3
nucleotides on a strand of
mRNA is called a CODON,
or 3-letter code word.
Ex. C-U-G, A-C-U are
both codons.
Each codon specifies an
amino acid that is to be
placed in the protein chain.
See page 307 in your
book.
Translation – Process of
using the info in mRNA to
put together amino acids
and make proteins.
- Occurs in a series of
steps, involves, 3 kinds of
RNA, and results in a
polypeptide.
In Translation:
1. Ribosome, mRNA and
tRNA which is carrying the
amino acid, methionine,
bind together.
2. New tRNA arrives and
binds to next codon on
mRNA.
3. First tRNA detaches and leaves its
amino acid,
4. Process ends when the “stop” codon
is reached.
5. Amino acid chain is released and
ribosome complex falls apart.
NOTE!!! tRNA knows which
amino acids to bring b/c its
anticodon will be
complementary to the mRNA
codon.