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:
- Genes in the DNA are used to create a template made of RNA (known as Messenger RNA or mRNA).
- The template is small enough to leave the nucleus through pores in the nuclear membrane.
- The template binds to a ribosome.
- Carrier molecules bring individual amino acids to the ribosome.
- The carrier molecules arrange in the order given by the template.
- The protein forms and the carrier molecules and template detach from the protein.
- 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.