Gene Expression

Overview
Tutorial Online Biology 1700 February 12, 2019
 Gene expression

Gene expression occurs when information stored in DNA is used to

make proteins. This occurs through transcription and translation.

DNA
“Blueprint”
“Template”

mRNA
“Messenger”

Protein
“Workhorses”

BIOL 1700 – Genetics

 Gene expression

Useful analogy: Think of gene expression like copying down your

favourite childhood recipe and making it back at your place:

Use recipe
Copy down to make
recipe “Jim’s Famous Salsa” salsa

Master chef Recipe card Salsa

Transcriptio Translation
n

DNA mRNA Protein

“Blueprint” “Messenger” “Workhorses”

BIOL 1700 – Genetics

 Gene expression

1. TRANSCRIPTION

• A short region of DNA (ie, a

gene) provides a blueprint for
one protein. Gene Transcription

• The gene is then copied. This

copy is called messenger
mRNA
RNA (mRNA)

• The mRNA copy then leaves

the nucleus and docks with DNA
the ribosome. Analogy: “Copying a recipe”

BIOL 1700 – Genetics

 Gene expression

2. TRANSLATION

• After docking with the

ribosome, the mRNA copy
provides the “recipe” for
making the protein Translation

• To make the protein you need

2 other types of RNA:

• Transfer RNA (tRNA)

– brings amino acids to Protein
the ribosome (Polypeptide)
• Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) mRNA
– structural component of Analogy: “Using a recipe to
the ribosome make salsa”

BIOL 1700 - Genetics

 Gene expression

Translation (con’t)

• To build the protein, the

ribosome reads the mRNA Growing
message 3 nucleotides at a time. peptide
These triplets are called chain Incoming
codons. tRNA with
amino acid
• Outgoing
Each codon codes for a specific
tRNA
amino acid, the building block of
proteins

• tRNAs with anticodons bring

the correct amino acid to the mRNA
ribosome.
Ribosome
• Amino acids join together in long
chains to produce a polypeptide

BIOL 1700 – Genetics

 Gene expression Summary
Copyright © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display.

TRANSCRIPTION 1. DNA acts as a template

and a copy of the gene is
made called mRNA
DNA 3. mRNA becomes
associated with a
2. mRNA exits the nucleus ribosome in the cytoplasm
.

TRANSLATION
mRNA amino
acids

nuclear pore
peptide

5. tRNA with
CC tRNA an anticodon
C
C AU brings proper
amino acid
UG G UU U anticodon
GG G AC C A A A G UA
6. Amino acids join together
1 at a time to produce a
protein (polypeptide)
ribosome codon

4. The ribosome
reads the mRNA one
codon at a time

Picture from McGraw-Hill Mader 14th ed.

BIOL 1700 - Genetics