1 - Protein Synthesis

Question 1

Genetic Code

Answer 1

A set of rules or instructions that translate the information stored in DNA into functional products, primarily proteins

Degenerate:
-Multiple codons can code for the same amino acid

Universal:
-Same for all living organisms

Non-overlapping
-Each base is only part of one codon

Question 2

Triplet / Codon

Answer 2

Sequence of three bases that codes for a specific amino acid

Question 3

Transcription

Answer 3

1) DNA helicase breaks the hydrogen bonds between two DNA strands

2) Free complementary RNA nucleotides move into place and form hydrogen bonds with complementary bases on a template DNA strand

3) RNA polymerase joins RNA nucleotides

4) Splicing occurs to remove introns from pre-mRNA molecule

5) mRNA moves out of nucleus through a nuclear pore

Question 4

Translation

Answer 4

1) mRNA strand attaches to ribosome in nucleus

2) Free molecules of tRNA in cytoplasm are bonded to an amino acid on one side and contain and anti-codon on the other

3) Anti-codon binds to codon on mRNA and releases amino acid

4) Amino acids join together with ATP forming a polypeptide chain

5) Chaperone proteins help fold the chain into secondary/tertiary structures

Question 5

Protein Structure

Answer 5

Primary - amino acid sequence (peptide bonds between amino acids formed by condensation reactions)

Secondary - hydrogen bonds within polypeptide chain create alpha helix or beta pleated sheets

Tertiary- complex folding of polypeptide chain due to R-R interactions (hydrophobic, disulfide, ionic)

Quaternary- interactions between polypeptides

Question 6

Chaperone Proteins

Answer 6

Prevent incorrect hydrophobic interactions
Allow proteins to be correctly folded