DNA &

PROTEIN
SYNTHESIS
DNA
 Introduction •
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the
molecule that carries genetic
information in all living things. It has a
double-helix structure consisting of
two complementary chains of
nucleotides, which are the building
blocks of DNA. Each nucleotide
consists of a sugar molecule, a
phosphate group, and a nitrogenous
base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, or
thymine).
DNA Replication

1. DNA replication is an important

phenomena that takes place in the S
phase of interphase. It is the process of
copying a DNA molecule to produce two
identical molecules. During this process,
the two strands of the original molecule
separate and serve as templates for the
production of new strands.
2. The process of DNA replication is semi-
conservative, meaning that each new
double-stranded molecule contains one
new strand and one original strand.
DNA Replication Steps

1. The enzyme DNA polymerase will untwist the DNA that is a twisted, coiled
double helix.
2. Each old strand will act as a template.
3. Free nitrogenous bases in the nucleus will add to its complement on the old
strand to form a new strand
PROTEIN
SYNTHESIS
 Protein Synthesis
Cytoplasm

• Protein synthesis is the process in which cells

make proteins. It occurs in two stages:
transcription and translation. Nucleus

• Transcription is the transfer of genetic

instructions in DNA to mRNA in the nucleus. Protein

• Translation is the transfer from mRNA to

protein in the cytoplasm. It includes three
steps: initiation, elongation, and termination

Transcription

DNA RNA PROTEIN

Translation
Mechanism of Transcription:
1. The DNA double helix, which was
coiled, unwinds.
2. RNA polymerase enzyme will add
the free nitrogenous bases to the
template strand only.
3. mRNA is synthesized in the
nucleus.
4. mRNA will leave the nucleus
through nuclear pores into the
cytoplasm.
RNA vs DNA
• RNA differs from DNA in its structure
and function.
• While DNA is a double-stranded
molecule made up of the nitrogenous
bases (A-C-T-G), RNA is a single-stranded
molecules made up of the nitrogenous
bases (A-U-C-G).
• Another difference lies in the sugar
group of both molecules, which is ribose
sugar in RNA and deoxyribose sugar in
DNA.
• DNA and RNA also perform different
functions in humans. DNA is responsible
for storing and transferring genetic
information while RNA plays a vital role
in protein synthesis.
 Translation:
• Translation takes place in the cytoplasm. It
uses mRNA and transforms it into protein
using 2 tools: ribosomes and tRNA.
• Ribosomes are found in the endoplasmic
reticulum of the cytoplasm and consists of
2 units, large and small ribosomal units,
that bind to the codon on the mRNA.
• tRNA transfers RNA found in the
cytoplasm and contains 2 sites: amino acid
site at the top and anti-codon site at the
bottom.
• Translation takes place in 3 steps:
1. Initiation
2. Elongation
3. Termination
Steps of Translation:
1. Initiation: The ribosome binds to the
start of the mRNA. These are then joined
by a tRNA which contains the anticodons
matching the start codon on the mRNA,
which is AUG, and hold the anti-codon
UAC and the amino acid Methionine.
2. Elongation: The ribosomal unit moves
along the mRNA and the tRNA will
transfer the other amino acids, forming
a protein made up of several amino
acids.
3. Termination: The protein synthesis
reaches the stop codon. It stops
synthesis, and the protein is formed.
 NOW WE WILL LEAVE YOU
WITH A VIDEO THAT EXPLAINS
PROTEIN SYNTHESIS
ENJOY!
 ALI SALEH
MOHAMED ALAEDDIN

THANKS FOR
WATCHING AND
LISTENING! AYA EL-ZEIN
DIMA FAKIH