Protein Synthesis Flashcards
What is the first step of protein synthesis?
DNA will open up at a specific gene in order to build a specific protein.
What does mRNA do?
It will make a copy of the DNA. RNA polymerase will make a copy-it has a built in helicase. The copy is a “mirror image”. It leaves the nucleus and binds to a ribosome
What is the initiator codon?
mRNA will always start with AUG- methonine
What is a codon?
A group of 3 nitrogen bases on mRNA that will code for an amino acid.
What is DNA to mRNA called?
Transcription- the forming of a copy of DNA by making mRNA
What does the ribosome do?
It pinches RNA. There are two binding sites. The A site (amino acid) and P site (peptide site)
What is tRNA and what does it do?
It’s make up of about 80 nucleotides and is in a “clover leaf” shape. It will temporarily bond to the mRNA in the ribosome at the A site (anticodon-codon) and the corresponding amino acid is attached.
What is the process of translation?
The tRNA will bring the amino acid into the A site. The ribosome then moves to the next codon. The tRNA moves to the P site. A new tRNA comes into the A site. They bond and move again. The first tRNA leaves the ribosome
What does peptidyl transferase do?
It bonds the amino acid in the P site to the one in the A site
What happens as the ribosome moves down the mRNA?
The peptide chain moves from the P site to the new amino acid in the A site. This is translocation
What does the terminator codon do?
A release factor is triggered by the codon to signal peptidyl transferase to bond a water molecule to the peptide.
What is protein synthesis?
DNA - mRNA - tRNA -Amino acids
