Translation and Proteins
DNA
RNA
PROTEIN
The Genetic Code
• the language of RNA is read in groups
of 3 bases
– A, U, C, G
Codon
• a group of three bases on mRNA
– Start Codon
• signals the beginning of a protein chain
• AUG
• always brings the amino acid methionine
– Stop Codon
• signals for the end of protein synthesis
• UAA, UAG, or UGA
• does not code for any amino acids
Anticodon
• a group of three bases on tRNA that
bind to the mRNA codon
– bind in a complementary fashion
• A with U
• C with G
• each tRNA brings a specific amino acid
into place based on the genetic code
The Genetic Code is…
Based
on
Codons
from
mRNA
Translation
• decoding of an mRNA message into a
chain of attached amino acids (protein)
• cells use information from mRNA to
produce a specific protein by linking
amino acids together
Steps of Translation
Translation
Animation
Steps of Translation
1. a ribosome attaches to the mRNA
2. tRNA molecules bring specific amino
acids to the ribosome in the right
sequence as specified by the mRNA
codons
Steps of Translation
3. amino acids are continually hooked
together by the ribosome until a stop
codon is reached
4. the ribosome releases the new protein
Translation and Proteins
DNA
RNA
PROTEIN
Replication, Transcription, &
Translation Concept Map
replication
transcription
DNA
translation
protein
RNA
Other Resources
• Book pages for help on Transcription
and Translation
– Pg. 208-214