Protein synthesis explained simply

In short: Protein synthesis is the process by which cells produce proteins based on genetic information. It occurs in two main steps: transcription in the nucleus and translation at the ribosomes.

In more detail: DNA information is first transcribed into mRNA, which then serves as the blueprint for protein production.

In detail

• Transcription: In the nucleus, the DNA sequence of a gene is transcribed into a complementary mRNA sequence.
• mRNA processing: Before leaving the nucleus, the mRNA is edited and non-coding sections are removed.
• Translation: Ribosomes read the mRNA and link matching amino acids into a growing protein chain.
• Codon and anticodon: Each set of three mRNA bases (a codon) codes for a specific amino acid, recognised by tRNA anticodons.
• Folding: After translation, the amino acid chain folds into its functional three-dimensional structure.
• Sources of error: Mutations in the DNA can lead to faulty proteins, which can cause disease.
• Importance: Almost all bodily functions ultimately depend on correctly produced proteins such as enzymes and hormones (dna-und-gene, enzyme-grundlagen).