Transcription:

Takes place in nucleus

A complementary copy of the gene is made using RNA
1. Gene opens up. Hydrogen bonds break between bases
2. RNA nucleotides attracted to complementary bases and form
hydrogen bonds.
3. RNA nucleotides joined together by enzyme RNA Polymerase.
4. Complementary RNA copy of gene now made. It is called mRNA
(messenger RNA)
5. Single stranded mRNA molecule diffuses out of gene
6. mRNA molecule leaves nucleus through nuclear pore (large holes
in nuclear envelope)
7. Many mRNA strands are made before gene closes.
MRNA is complementary, not a copy!
DNA

TAC GAA TCT GAG CAC GGC TAT ATC

mRNA.

AUG CUU AGA CUC GUG CCG AUA UAG

Translation:
Takes place in cytoplasm
MRNA code read by ribosome and amino acids assembled in
correct order to make protein
1. mRNA strand binds to cleft in ribosome. Start AUG codon fits
into bottom of P site
2. tRNA diffuses into P site and recognises the mRNA codon using
its specific anticodon

Edexcel AS Biology Revision Notes

Written by Tim Filtness

3. A second tRNA diffuses into the A site and recognises the

mRNA codon there.
4. The amino acids between the two tRNAs join together forming a
peptide bond
5. The tRNA in the P site diffuses into the cytoplasm and binds to
another specific amino acid.
6. The ribosome moves one codon down the mRNA chain so that the
P site is filled with the tRNA from the A site and the A site is
empty
7. When the ribosome reaches the stop codon it releases the
mRNA and the amino acid chain.
Most ribosomes translate whilst attached to the rER. The
completed primary protein is inserted into the rER, where enzymes
fold it into its secondary and tertiary shape.
Many ribosomes can translate the same piece of mRNA at the same
time. A polysome forms