Protein Synthesis
- Inside of the nucleus, the DNA strands unzip.
- mRNA is created from the original DNA bases, and is complementary to them.
- The mRNA comes out of the nucleus and into the cytoplasm.
- Ribosomes then read the bases in a triplet code, and create the correct amino acid.
- The amino acids join up, and this creates a protein.
- However, mRNA substitutes the base “T” for a different base, “U”.
Function
The protein’s specific shape helps it to carry out its role. Proteins can be:
- Enzymes – biological catalysts that speed up the rate of reaction.
- Hormones – chemical messengers that send signals around the body.
- Structural protein – strong proteins in order to form structures, such as collagen.