- The process shown is transcription and translation, the central dogma of molecular biology.
- In the nucleus, DNA (labeled D) is transcribed into mRNA (labeled E). This occurs when RNA polymerase reads the DNA template strand and synthesizes a complementary mRNA strand.
- The mRNA then exits the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm, where it binds to a ribosome (labeled Y).
- The ribosome reads the mRNA sequence in sets of three nucleotides called codons.
- Each codon specifies a particular amino acid. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules, each carrying a specific amino acid, have anticodons that are complementary to the mRNA codons.
- As the ribosome moves along the mRNA, tRNAs bring in the correct amino acids, which are linked together by peptide bonds to form a polypeptide chain (the protein).
- The sequence of amino acids (Cysteine, Threonine, Leucine, Histidine, Valine) is determined by the sequence of codons on the mRNA.
- The diagram illustrates how the genetic code in DNA is ultimately used to build proteins, which perform most functions in the cell.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of dna coloring worksheet answers.
