PROTEIN SYNTHESIS

1.    Transcription : mRNA is synthesised from a single strand of DNA in the nucleus. mRNA taken out of the nucleus and to the ribosomes

2.    mRNA aligns along the ribosome, starting at the 5' end

3.    The mRNA is "read" in lots of three bases or triplets. Each triplet is called a codon.

4.    Along the chain of tRNA is a triplet of complementary bases, known as the anticodon. Each amino acid bound to tRNA is associated with
       one or more anticodons

5.    Translation : The anticodon region of the tRNA binds to the codon of the mRNA, carrying with it, the amino acid specific for that anticodon.

6.    Enzyme action forms peptide bonds between the adjacent amino acids and separates the growing peptide chain from the tRNA. When a
       certain base stop sequence is reached (eg. UAA, UAG or UGA), the protein chain is cut and taken away for tertiary formation


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© 2004 Dr Peter Darben