Protein synthesis

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

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

Find a healthcare provider anywhere in the world quickly and easily!

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD