Protein Synthesis

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Protein Synthesis is the building of new proteins from amino acids.

About Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis takes place at the ribosomes in a cell.

Genes are used to create a template for which proteins to synthesise.

The process of protein synthesis takes several steps:

1. Genes in the DNA are used to create a template made of RNA (known as Messenger RNA or mRNA).
2. The template is small enough to leave the nucleus through pores in the nuclear membrane.
3. The template binds to a ribosome.
4. Carrier molecules bring individual amino acids to the ribosome.
5. The carrier molecules arrange in the order given by the template.
6. The protein forms and the carrier molecules and template detach from the protein.
7. The protein molecule folds to form the unique shape of that protein. This shape can control the function of the protein and which substrate will join at its active site.

References

AQA

Protein synthesis, page 248, GCSE Biology, CGP, AQA

Protein synthesis, pages 126, 186-8, GCSE Biology, Hodder, AQA

Synthesis of proteins, pages 204-205, GCSE Biology; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA

Edexcel

Protein synthesis, pages 35, 36, GCSE Biology; The Revision Guide, CGP, Edexcel

Protein synthesis, pages 93-97, GCSE Biology, CGP, Edexcel