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Reproduction, the genome and gene expression - AQA Protein synthesis - Higher

Reproduction occurs in all organisms. DNA is important, as it allows new proteins to be synthesised. Mutations in the DNA can have serious implications.

Part of Biology (Single Science)Inheritance, variation and evolution

Protein synthesis - Higher

Greg Foot explains how the structure of DNA affects the proteins made in DNA synthesis

The DNA code for the remains in the , but a copy, called mRNA, moves from the nucleus to the where proteins are in the . The protein produced depends on the template used, and if this sequence changes a different protein will be made.

Carrier molecules bring specific amino acids to add to the growing protein in the correct order. There are only about 20 different naturally-occurring amino acids.

DNA structure determines the protein synthesised. If this changes a different protein will be made.

A copy of the DNA is made, but is now mRNA.

The copy moves to the ribosome into to the cytoplasm. Amino acids are connected together in a specific order at the ribosome (see diagram) to create a specific protein molecule.

Diagram showing how protein is synthesised in a DNA structure

Each protein molecule has hundreds, or even thousands, of amino acids joined together in a unique sequence. It is then folded into the correct unique shape. This is very important, as it allows the protein to do their jobs, such as enzymes or hormones and it can form structures within the body, such as collagen.

The image at the top shows a protein molecule that has hundreds of amino acids joined in a sequence and the image below they are shown in a structure.
A model of haemoglobin
Image caption,
A molecular model of haemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells

Learn more about protein synthesis with Dr Alex Lathbridge.

Learn about how proteins are made during the processes of transcription and translation.