CHAPTER 3.6 IV.

Amino acids, the building

blocks of proteins, are carried
WHOLE CELL ACTIVITY to the ribosomes by tRNAs
GENE EXPRESSION V. In the process of translation,
the information contained in
 A process in which the DNA mRNA is used to determine
(containing information) directs the number, kinds, and
protein synthesis. arrangement of amino acids in
Figure 3.22 Overview of Gene Expression the polypeptide chain.

DNA

 Influences the structural and

functional characteristics of the
entire organism because it
directs protein synthesis.
o individual has blue eyes,
brown hair, or other
inherited traits is
determined by DNA.
 “Cook Book”
 Contains many genes (recipes)
for making different proteins (food
items).
OVERVIEW OF GENE EXPRESSION  Remains in the nucleus.

I. DNA contains the information DNA MOLECULE

necessary to produce
 Consists of nucleotides joined
proteins
II. Transciption of one DNA together to form two nucleotide
strands results in mRNA, strands.
which is a complementary  The two strands are connected
copy of the information in the and resemble a ladder that is
DNA strand needed to make twisted around its long axis.
a protein  Each DNA molecule contains
III. The mRNA leaves the many different genes.
nucleus and goes to
ribosomes
GENE

 A sequence of nucleotides that

provides a chemical set of
instructions for making a specific
protein.
 “Recipe” for making a protein.

PROTEINS

 Consist of amino acids.

o Unique structural and
functional characteristics of
different proteins are
determined by the kinds,
numbers, and arrangement of
their amino acids.
o loss of mitochondrial
function could lead to the
loss of energy critical to
cell function and,
ultimately, to cell death.
o Reduced caloric intake
may reduce free-radical
damage to mitochondria.