Describe how proteins are manufactured in the ribosomes (include discussion of codons and anti-codons).
Proteins are manufactured in the ribosomes through a process called protein synthesis, which involves the interaction between codons, anti-codons, and transfer RNA (tRNA).
The first step is transcription, which occurs in the nucleus. In this process, DNA is transcribed into a strand of messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA carries the genetic information encoded in the DNA to the ribosomes.
Next, the mRNA leaves the nucleus and attaches itself to a ribosome in the cytoplasm. The ribosome consists of two subunits, a large and a small one. The mRNA thread passes through the small subunit until it reaches the start codon, which is typically AUG.
At this point, the process of translation begins. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules play a crucial role in this step. These molecules carry amino acids to the ribosome, which are then assembled into a growing protein chain.
Each tRNA molecule is specific to a particular amino acid and has an anticodon that is complementary to the codon on the mRNA. A codon is a three-base sequence on the mRNA, and an anticodon is a three-base sequence on the tRNA. The codon and anticodon base pair with each other using complementary base pairing.
As the ribosome moves along the mRNA strand, tRNA molecules bring in their corresponding amino acids based on the codons on the mRNA. The ribosome links the amino acids together, forming a polypeptide chain, which eventually folds into a functional protein.
This process continues until the ribosome reaches a stop codon on the mRNA. The stop codon signals the end of protein synthesis, and the newly formed protein is released from the ribosome.
In summary, proteins are manufactured in ribosomes through the process of protein synthesis. This involves the transcribing of DNA into mRNA, attaching the mRNA to a ribosome, and using tRNA to bring in amino acids that correspond to the codons on the mRNA. The ribosome assembles the amino acids into a polypeptide chain, which then folds into a functional protein.