By the end of this unit you will: know what transcription is know what translation is understand how proteins are made.

DNA contains the genetic code which controls the production of proteins

Proteins, as we have learned, do everything!

There are two important events which must happen in order to make a protein; transcription and translation

Transcribing or copying the coded message of DNA onto a single stranded nucleic acid called mRNA

DNA’s code is contained in groups of 3 nitrogen bases called DNA triplets

One side of DNA is considered the coding side, or template, and the other side is considered the complimentary side.

Left side – coding side Right side – complimentary strand

To begin transcription, Helicase causes the molecule to split or “unzip”.

This exposes the nitrogen bases of the coding side

Free floating mRNA nucleotides attach to the coding side of DNA

The whole mRNA strand is removed from the coding side of DNA

The mRNA strand then moves out of the nucleus and heads for a ribosome.

The DNA strand then can re-attach with the complementary side of DNA

Transcription and the TATA's

Each group of 3 nitrogen bases of mRNA are called codons.

•Use the code by reading from the center to the outside•Example: AUG codes for Methionine

GGG? UCA? CAU? GCA? AAA?

Transcription is copying the DNA code onto a mRNA molecule.

mRNA leaves the nucleus and moves to the ribosome where the message is translated

AUG is called the “Initiation Codon” . It begins the process and always codes for Methionine

“Termination Codons” indicate the end of the process. UAG,UAA, and UGA are termination codons and don’t code for any amino acids

Draw a DNA molecule with the base sequence ATG GCA. Make the 5’ on the top left.

Assuming the coding side of DNA is the left side, transcribe a mRNA molecule. Draw the molecule horizontally. “Remember how we do it!”

DNA contains the genetic code for the production of __________.

Each group of 3 nitrogen bases in DNA is called a __________. The genetic code of _____ is trapped inside the nucleus

because it is ____________ to fit through the pores in the nuclear envelope.

__________ is the process of copying the genetic code of _____ onto a single strand of _____.

The single stranded _____ molecule falls on it’s side with it’s nitrogen bases pointing _____ and moves out of the nucleus to find a __________.

Each group of 3 nitrogen bases in mRNA is called a __________. AUG is a special codon that is called an ________________. It

always codes for the amino acid __________. Check you codon wheel and identify the amino acids that

the following codons code for: GGC - __________ UUU - __________ CAU - __________ GUA - __________

Another special codon found in mRNA stops the chain of amino acids and indicates the protein is complete. These codons are called ________________. There are only 3 of the codons: _______; ________ and _______.

We are always going to assume that the coding side of DNA will be the __________ side.

Opposite the coding side is called the __________ side.

Two enzymes play a role in transcription: ____________ unzips the DNA molecule and __________________ helps attach the free-floating mRNA nucleotides to the coding side of DNA.

DNA contains the genetic code for the production of Protein. Each group of 3 nitrogen bases in DNA is called a DNA

triplet. The genetic code of DNA is trapped inside the nucleus

because it is too big to fit through the pores in the nuclear envelope.

Transcription is the process of copying the genetic code of DNA onto a single strand of mRNA.

The single stranded mRNA molecule falls on it’s side with it’s nitrogen bases pointing up and moves out of the nucleus to find a ribosome.

Each group of 3 nitrogen bases in mRNA is called a codon. AUG is a special codon that is called an Initiation codon. It

always codes for the amino acid Methionine. Check you codon wheel and identify the amino acids that the

following codons code for: GGC - Glycine UUU - Phenylalanine CAU - Histidine GUA - Valine

Another special codon found in mRNA stops the chain of amino acids and indicates the protein is complete. These codons are called Termination codons. There are only 3 of the codons: UGA; UAA and UAG.

We are always going to assume that the coding side of DNA will be the left side.

Opposite the coding side is called the complimentary side.

Two enzymes play a role in transcription: Helicase unzips the DNA molecule and RNA polymerase helps attach the free-floating mRNA nucleotides to the coding side of DNA.

The process where the message of mRNA is translated into sequences of amino acids.

Translation happens on the surface of ribosomes.

3 codons can fit on the ribosome at one time.

Remember tRNA?

amino acid (specific to tRNA)

tRNA molecule

nitrogen bases called anticodons

Each tRNA molecule with one specific anticodon sequence can carry only one specific amino acid.

If the anticodon of tRNA is complimentary to the codon of mRNA the amino acid carried by that tRNA is dropped off.

Protein Synthesis PH

Translation Translation 2 Translation 3

Use your codon chart to complete the following table:

CodonCodon Amino Amino AcidAcid

AnticodoAnticodonn

DNA DNA triplettriplet

AUG AUG (initiatio(initiation codon) n codon)

UCCUCC

AAAAAA

CGUCGU

← Gene A← Gene B Exons – translatable seqments of a

chromosome Introns – segments of DNA that do

NOT code for proteins Nonsense DNA

AUG – intiation codon Codes for methionine UAA, UAG, and UGA are all

termination codons

Another look at Protein Synthesis

Assume the strand of DNA nucleotides below represents the coding side (The Wife!)

ACT CCA CGA TAC Transcribe a mRNA molecule using the coding

side. Detach it and draw it hortizontally. Draw the three tRNA molecules that would be

complimentary to the mRNA molecule you created. Make sure the appropriate amino acid and anti-codon are positioned on the tRNA drawings.

Using you amino acid chart, draw the reactants and products of this synthesis.