Protein synthesis

Protein synthesis is the process by which biological cells generate new proteins. It is balanced by the loss of cellular proteins via degradation or export. The steps in protein synthesis include transcription, RNA splicing, translation, and post-translational modifications. Protein synthesis is a very similar process in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Transcription

Transcription is the first step of protein synthesis. It is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA. The segment of DNA that is transcribed into RNA is called a gene. The RNA molecule is the link between the gene and the protein it codes for.

RNA splicing

RNA splicing is the process by which introns, or non-coding regions, are removed from the RNA molecule. The remaining exons, or coding regions, are then joined together to form a mature mRNA molecule.

Translation

Translation is the process by which the mRNA molecule is used to produce a protein. This process takes place in the ribosome, a cellular structure where protein synthesis occurs.

Post-translational modifications

After translation, the protein undergoes various post-translational modifications. These modifications can include the addition of other molecules, such as phosphates or carbohydrates, and can change the function of the protein.

See also

• DNA
• Gene expression
• Central dogma of molecular biology

External links

• Protein Synthesis at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

Protein synthesis Resources
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