Protein synthesis?

Question

What exacly, in terms that an average college student would understand, is protein synthesis? As in, where it takes place and the function of each step, etc.

Answer 1

Protein synthesis begins with the transcription of DNA by mRNA in the nucleus. The mRNA is then processed to remove introns and exported from the nucleus into the cytoplasm. There it undergoes translation with the help of ribosomes and tRNA with match codons on themselves to three amino acid segments on the mRNA which code for specific proteins. Eventually the whole sequence in read and the protein is folded in shape (beta sheets and alpha helixes) which actives the protein. Some proteins are translated by ribosomes on the surface of the ER which leads to proteins that span the plasma membrane or proteins that are exported from the cell. That's a general over view. I suggest you look up each step online if you want to know more about it.

Answer 2

Protein synthesis is a rather complex process, something that you will definitely have to go back to the textbook for but here is a general idea. Protein synthesis has two parts, transription and translation. In transcription a mRNA attaches to the promoter, or begining of a gene on the chromosome and makes an RNA copy of the DNA, this takes place in the nucleus as that is where chromosomes are located. This mRNA then leaves the nucleus to go to ribosomes for translation. Translation itself is quite convoluted, there are two sites in the rRNA, A and P, an entrance and exit site. rRNAs attach to the mRNA and tRNAs, with matching anticodons (carrying the needed amino acid) to the codons on the rRNA. The tRNAs enter, another tRNA attach, a dehydration synthesis takes place btw the two amino acids and forms a peptide bond .This process of tRNAs entering leaving, attaching contines until an end condon is reached when then rRNAs unttach. The finished amino acid chain is then modified and folded into a functional protein. Do you need stuff on protein synthesis regulation too?

Answer 3

Protein synthesis is the function of the ribosomes. The message from the nucleus in the form of mRNA is 'read' by the ribosome and individual amino acids are transferred to the ribosome by tRNA (transfer RNA) where they are linked together to form a peptide. The linkage is called a peptide linkage and is formed by the ribosomal RNA. The formation of protein is stimulated by a need in the cell for a specific protein and the above sequence of reactions occur to make the protein.