Protein synthesis

Protein synthesis is one of the most fundamental biological processes by which individuals cells build
their specific proteins. Within these processes involved both DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and there
difference in their function. The process is initiated in the cells nucleus where specific enzymes unwind
the needed section of DNA, which makes the DNA in these region accessible and a RNA copy can be
made. These RNA molecules then moves from the nucleus to the cell cytoplasm where the actual
process of protein synthesis takes place.

All cells functions through protein. Protein function is defined by their molecular function, localization
within cell and involvement in a particular biological process. All component of protein function are
defined by the exact composition, structure and conformation of the protein which when encrypted
within the DNA region called locus encoding that protein.

Transcription

These is the first of overall two protein synthesis steps. During transcription the informatioin encoded in
the DNA is copied to a RNA molecule as one strand of the DNA double helix is used as the template. The
RNA molecule is sent to the cytoplasm, which helps to bring all component required for the actual
protein synthesis together. Amino acid transport RNAs, ribosomes etc. In the cytoplasm the protein
polymers are actually synthesized through chemical reactions i.e Why the process is known as protein
synthesis or even more precisely protein biosynthesis. The RNA copy of the protein genetic information
encoded in DNA molecule is produced in the nucleus and it’s called messenger RNA (mRNA). Each
mRNA encodes the information for a single protein and is much smaller in size compared to the DNA
molecule. These makes it possible for mRNA to exist in the nucleus through tiny opening called nuclear
pores. Once it exit the nucleus and enter the cytoplasm, the mRNA could interact with a cellular
structure known as the divisor which serves as the cells assembler within the process of protein
synthesis. When the mRNA interacts with the big ribosome subunit, these triggers the approach of
another RNA molecule called transfer RNA (tRNA) the tRNA molecule posses a specific sequence of 3-
bases(anti-codon) which has to complement a corresponding sequence within the mRNA sequence.
When it finds it, it attaches to the mRNA at the other end of the tRNA is loaded with an amino acids.
The first tRNA binds to a so called start codon which is the same for all proteins.

Translation

It occurs in the cytoplasm after leaving the nucleus, mRNA must undergo several modifications before
being translated. Sections of the mRNA that do not code for amino acid called introns are removed. A
poly-A tail consisting of several adenine bases is added to one end of the mRNA while the guanosine
triphosphate cap is added to the other end. These modifications remove unneeded sections and
protects the ends of the mRNA molecule

Translation consist of three primary stages

 Initiation – ribosomal subunit binds to mRNA

 Elongation – the ribosome moves along the mRNA molecule linking amino acid and forming a
polypeptide chain
 Termination – the ribosome reaches a stop codon which terminates protein synthesis and
release the ribosome.
 Initiation – during translation, a small ribosomal subunit attaches to a mRNA molecule. At the
same time an initiator tRNA molecule recognizes and binds to a specific coding sequence on
the same mRNA molecule. A large ribosomal subunit then joins the newly formed complex. The
initiator tRNA resides in the p sitpermission leaving the second binding site called the A site
open. Once the new tRNA molecule recognizes the next codon sequence on the mRNA, it
attaches to the open A site. A peptide bond forms connecting the amino acid of tRNA in the p
site to a amino acid of tRNA on the A site
 Elongation