List and describe each step in this
process, starting with the gene and ending with the folded protein starting with A DNA gene contains the information needed to produce a specific protein molecule.
The first step in making the protein is
transcription. During transcription, the DNA strand containing the gene unravels and the enzyme RNA polymerase binds to the starting point of the gene. The RNA polymerase moves along the DNA strand, reading the nucleotide sequence and constructing a complementary strand of messenger RNA (mRNA). This process is called transcription because it converts the DNA gene sequence into an mRNA sequence.
The next step is mRNA processing. The initial mRNA transcript produced during transcription contains both exons (coding regions) and introns (non-coding regions). The introns have to be removed and the exons connected together to form the final mRNA molecule. This process is called splicing. Certain RNA molecules, called small nuclear RNA (snRNA) and a complex of proteins, form a spliceosome and recognize specific splice sites on the mRNA transcript. The spliceosome cuts out the introns and connects the exons together, generating a mature mRNA molecule.
After mRNA processing, the mature mRNA molecule leaves the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm for translation. Translation is the process where the mRNA molecule is utilized to synthesize a specific protein. The mRNA molecule serves as a template for the production of the protein. The process begins with the mRNA molecule binding to a ribosome. Ribosomes consist of two subunits (small and large) that come together and attach to the mRNA molecule.
During translation, the ribosome moves along the mRNA molecule in a process called elongation. As the ribosome moves, it reads the codons (groups of three nucleotides) on the mRNA molecule. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules carry the respective amino acids and bind to the appropriate codon on the mRNA molecule, forming peptide bonds between the amino acids and creating a growing polypeptide chain. This process continues until a stop codon is reached, signaling the end of translation.
Once translation is complete, the newly synthesized polypeptide chain undergoes post-translational modifications. These modifications can include folding of the protein into its three-dimensional structure, addition of chemical groups (e.g., phosphorylation or glycosylation), or cleavage of certain parts of the protein. These modifications are important for the protein to function properly.
The final step is the formation of the folded protein. The newly synthesized polypeptide chain folds into its three-dimensional structure through a process called protein folding. Folding is assisted by various cellular factors called chaperones, which help guide the polypeptide into its correct shape. The folded protein is then ready to carry out its specific function in the cell.
Over the last two units, we have looked at the processes by which the information coded on
a piece of DNA (gene) is used to make a functional protein. List and describe each step in this
process, starting with the gene and ending with the folded protein. (2 points)
Answer: A DNA gene contains the information needed to produce a specific protein molecule.
The first step in making the protein is
transcription. During transcription, the DNA strand containing the gene unravels and the enzyme RNA polymerase binds to the starting point of the gene. The RNA polymerase moves along the DNA strand, reading the nucleotide sequence and constructing a complementary strand of messenger RNA (mRNA). This process is called transcription because it converts the DNA gene sequence into an mRNA sequence.
The next step is mRNA processing. The initial mRNA transcript produced during transcription contains both exons (coding regions) and introns (non-coding regions). The introns have to be removed and the exons connected together to form the final mRNA molecule. This process is called splicing. Certain RNA molecules, called small nuclear RNA (snRNA) and a complex of proteins, form a spliceosome and recognize specific splice sites on the mRNA transcript. The spliceosome cuts out the introns and connects the exons together, generating a mature mRNA molecule.
After mRNA processing, the mature mRNA molecule leaves the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm for translation. Translation is the process where the mRNA molecule is utilized to synthesize a specific protein. The mRNA molecule serves as a template for the production of the protein. The process begins with the mRNA molecule binding to a ribosome. Ribosomes consist of two subunits (small and large) that come together and attach to the mRNA molecule.
During translation, the ribosome moves along the mRNA molecule in a process called elongation. As the ribosome moves, it reads the codons (groups of three nucleotides) on the mRNA molecule. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules carry the respective amino acids and bind to the appropriate codon on the mRNA molecule, forming peptide bonds between the amino acids and creating a growing polypeptide chain. This process continues until a stop codon is reached, signaling the end of translation.
Once translation is complete, the newly synthesized polypeptide chain undergoes post-translational modifications. These modifications can include folding of the protein into its three-dimensional structure, addition of chemical groups (e.g., phosphorylation or glycosylation), or cleavage of certain parts of the protein. These modifications are important for the protein to function properly.
The final step is the formation of the folded protein. The newly synthesized polypeptide chain folds into its three-dimensional structure through a process called protein folding. Folding is assisted by various cellular factors called chaperones, which help guide the polypeptide into its correct shape. The folded protein is then ready to carry out its specific function in the cell.
what are the steps to making a protein
The steps to making a protein are as follows:
1. Transcription: The DNA strand containing the gene for the protein unravels, and an enzyme called RNA polymerase binds to the starting point of the gene. The RNA polymerase moves along the DNA strand, reading the nucleotide sequence and constructing a complementary strand of messenger RNA (mRNA). This process is called transcription as it converts the DNA gene sequence into an mRNA sequence.
2. mRNA Processing: The initial mRNA transcript produced during transcription contains both exons (coding regions) and introns (non-coding regions). The introns have to be removed, and the exons connected together to form the final mRNA molecule. This process is called splicing. Specialized RNA molecules and a complex of proteins called spliceosomes recognize specific splice sites on the mRNA transcript. The spliceosomes cut out the introns and connect the exons together, generating a mature mRNA molecule.
3. Translation: The mature mRNA molecule leaves the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm, where translation occurs. Translation is the process where the mRNA molecule is used to synthesize a protein. The mRNA molecule binds to a ribosome, which consists of two subunits (small and large) that attach to the mRNA molecule. The ribosome moves along the mRNA molecule in a process called elongation. As it moves, it reads the codons (groups of three nucleotides) on the mRNA molecule. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules carry the respective amino acids and bind to the appropriate codon, forming peptide bonds and creating a growing polypeptide chain. This process continues until a stop codon is reached, indicating the end of translation.
4. Post-Translational Modifications: After translation, the newly synthesized polypeptide chain may undergo post-translational modifications. These modifications can include folding of the protein into its functional three-dimensional structure, addition of chemical groups such as phosphorylation or glycosylation, or cleavage of certain parts of the protein. These modifications are crucial for the protein to function correctly.
5. Protein Folding: The folded protein is formed through a process called protein folding. Cellular factors called chaperones assist in guiding the polypeptide chain into its correct three-dimensional structure. Proper protein folding is critical for the protein to carry out its specific function in the cell.
It's important to note that these steps represent a simplified overview of protein synthesis, and there are numerous additional factors and processes involved in protein production in a cell.
what are all of the stages of mitosis and what do they do?
The stages of mitosis, a process of cell division, are as follows:
1. Interphase: Not technically a stage of mitosis, but an important preparatory phase. During interphase, the cell grows and carries out its normal functions. The DNA is replicated, ensuring that each daughter cell will have a complete set of genetic information.
2. Prophase: The first stage of mitosis. During prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible as distinct structures. The nuclear envelope begins to break down, and the mitotic spindle fibers form, attaching to the centromeres of each chromosome.
3. Prometaphase: During prometaphase, the nuclear envelope fully disintegrates, allowing the spindle fibers to interact with the condensed chromosomes. The spindle fibers attach to the kinetochores, specialized protein structures at the centromeres of the chromosomes.
4. Metaphase: In metaphase, the chromosomes align along the equator of the cell, forming a metaphase plate. The spindle fibers exert tension on the chromatids, ensuring they are properly aligned and ready for separation.
5. Anaphase: Anaphase is the stage in which the sister chromatids of each replicated chromosome separate and are pulled towards opposite poles of the cell. The spindle fibers shorten, exerting force on the centromeres and causing the chromatids to move.
6. Telophase: In telophase, the chromosomes reach the poles of the cell. The spindle fibers disassemble, and the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes. The chromosomes begin to decondense, returning to their dispersed state.
7. Cytokinesis: Cytokinesis is the process of physically dividing the cell into two daughter cells. In animal cells, a contractile ring composed of actin filaments forms at the cleavage furrow, eventually pinching the cell into two. In plant cells, a cell plate forms at the equator of the cell, eventually fusing to create a new cell wall and separating the daughter cells.
The purpose of mitosis is to divide the genetic material evenly between the two daughter cells, ensuring each cell receives an identical copy of the genetic information from the parent cell. This allows for growth, repair, and replacement of cells within a multicellular organism.