Protein Synthesis Slides
The Central Dogma
From DNA to Protein
Living Environment
The Big Picture
DNA
The Blueprint
(In the Nucleus)
RNA
The Messenger
(To the Ribosome)
Protein
The Trait
(Determines Function)
"The sequence of nitrogenous bases determines the sequence of amino acids."
Transcription
Step 1
Location
Occurs in the Nucleus
Key Enzyme
RNA Polymerase
Unzips DNA and builds a complementary mRNA strand.
The Goal:
Rewrite the DNA "master plan" into a portable mRNA message that can leave the nucleus.
DNA: T A C G G A
RNA: A U G C C U
Translation
Step 2
Location
Occurs at the Ribosome in the cytoplasm.
Key Players
- mRNA: The message (codons)
- tRNA: Transports amino acids
- Ribosome: The workbench
The Process:
Ribosome reads the mRNA codon. tRNA brings the correct amino acid.
Codon
AUG
Amino Acid
Methionine
Essential Vocabulary
Codon
A 3-base sequence on mRNA that codes for one amino acid.
Anticodon
A 3-base sequence on tRNA that matches the codon.
Amino Acid
The building block of proteins.
Peptide Bond
The bond that holds amino acids together.
Nucleus
The organelle where transcription happens.
Ribosome
The organelle where translation happens.
The Final Product: Protein
Once the amino acid chain is complete, it folds into a specific shape.
Regents Key Point:
"The shape of a protein determines its function!"
Folding into Functional Enzyme / Hormone / Receptor
Protein Synthesis Concept Map Worksheet
Central Dogma Map
Tracing the Flow of Genetic Information
Name:
Date:
1. Master Blueprint DNA (Genes)
is transcribed into...
Process:
Messenger mRNA
is translated into...
Process:
Functional Product PROTEIN
determines...
PHYSICAL TRAIT
TRANSCRIPTION DETAILS
Location:
Enzyme:
TRANSLATION DETAILS
Location:
tRNA carries:
Codon:
Peptide Bond:
The Regents Big Idea
The protein shape is determined by the sequence of _________________________ which is determined by the sequence of _________________________ in the DNA.
Available Terms
Nucleus Ribosome Transcription Translation RNA Polymerase Amino Acids Bases mRNA Uracil Codons Folding Peptide Bonds
Protein Synthesis Answer Key Resource
Teacher Answer Key
Central Dogma Map
1. Master Blueprint DNA (Genes)
is transcribed into...
Process:
Transcription
Messenger mRNA
is translated into...
Process:
Translation
Functional Product PROTEIN
determines...
PHYSICAL TRAIT
TRANSCRIPTION DETAILS
Location: Nucleus
Enzyme: RNA Polymerase
TRANSLATION DETAILS
Location: Ribosome
tRNA carries: Amino Acids
Codon:
Sequence of 3 mRNA bases.
Peptide Bond:
Bond between amino acids.
The Regents Big Idea
The protein shape is determined by the sequence of amino acids which is determined by the sequence of bases in the DNA.