GCSE Biology (AQA)

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Protein Synthesis

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Inheritance, Variation and Evolution Reproduction

Protein Synthesis

2:55 Coding for Proteins
Spec 4.6.1.5
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  • Protein synthesis is the formation of proteins, which are made up of amino acids.
  • Proteins have multiple uses in the body, including forming enzymes, structural components in muscles and tissues, carrier molecules like active transport pumps, and hormones.
  • Proteins do not last forever, leading cells to almost continuously carry out protein synthesis.
  • Protein synthesis occurs on ribosomes, which are distributed throughout the cytoplasm.
  • Ribosomes use a copy of DNA to synthesize proteins; this copy is called mRNA, which acts as a template and leaves the nucleus to reach the ribosome.
  • Carrier molecules, referred to as tRNA, bring specific amino acids to the ribosome according to the mRNA template.
  • As the ribosome moves along the mRNA template, amino acids are added, and the protein chain grows.
  • After the amino acid sequence is completed, the protein chain folds into a unique shape, enabling it to function as enzymes, hormones, or structural components like muscle or collagen.
  • Detailed knowledge of the structure of mRNA, tRNA, amino acids, or proteins is not required for exams.

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