Section 6.3

An overview: Most commonly, what comes to mind is the process by which we take ideas expressed in one language, & make them intelligible in another language. Often this means a change of script, from one we don’t understand to another we can read. In the process of translation in a cell, the transcribed message of mRNA is translated to a totally different ‘language’, that of protein. DNA & RNA are ‘written’ in very similar chemicals, but protein is ‘written’ in an entirely different ‘script’: amino acids.

For Translation we need: An ‘ edited ’ or ‘ mature ’ mRNA Ribosomes An unusual molecule, transfer or tRNA Lots of available Amino Acids

The overall goal: Use the DNA message that was copied out into mRNA to produce a polypeptide or protein. This is the second part of the CENTRAL DOGMA It relies on the GENETIC CODE.

Translation StageEvents InitiationA ribosome binds to the mRNA Ribosome recognizes a specific three-base sequence on the mRNA, and binds. ElongationRibosome moves along the strand ‘reading’ each codon (3 nucleotides at a time) tRNA delivers the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome for addition to the growing polypeptide chain Ribosome catalyzes the formation of a peptide bond between a.a. TerminationTranscription ceases when ribosome reaches stop codon, it falls off the mRNA (protein – release factor) and the polypeptide is released

The tRNA: Acts as a ‘ taxi ’ for Amino Acids Single stranded, but folded upon itself into a clover-like shape. Able to bind to Amino Acids at one end, and to mRNA at the other. The mRNA binding end has an ANTICODON. Each Anticodon codes for a different Amino Acid.

The tRNA: Amino acids bind at the 3 ’ end of tRNA. This requires some ATP energy! The Anticodon binds to a complementary codon sequence on the mRNA. i.e. AUG codon = UAC anticodon

The Ribosome: Site of translation Can be free in the cytoplasm, or associated with the R.E.R., Golgi Body, or Nucleolus. Two Subunits Lg (60S)/Sm (40S) Able to bind mRNA Binds tRNA at one of three sites: E (Exit), P (Peptidyl Aminoacyl) or A (Acetyl Aminoacyl)

The Ribosome: The mRNA binds in the groove between the large & small subunits. The first tRNA binds to the P Site. A second tRNA binds to the A Site. This brings the amino acids on each tRNA close enough to form a peptide bond. As the ribosome shifts down the mRNA, the first tRNA is bumped into the E site & is released.

The Amino Acids: During translation, the Amino Acids ‘ meet ’ at the ribosome When they are brought close together (on the ribosome), the Amino Group of one reacts with the other ’ s Carboxyl Group. In a dehydration synthesis reaction, a peptide bond forms.

Initiating Translation: mRNA binds to the Ribosome tRNA ’ s carrying amino acids arrive, binding anticodon to codon Peptide bond forms between Amino Acids

Continuing the chain: The ribosome now shifts 1 codon, moving the first tRNA into the E Site, the second into the P site, and opening the A site for a new tRNA to bind.

Continuing the chain: Many ribosomes can bind to the same mRNA & translate it simultaneously, amplifying the amount of protein made.

The genetic code How exactly does the base sequence of an mRNA dictate the order of amino acids?? The genetic code

Reading the mRNA: Codons in the mRNA are ‘ read ’ in threes Each three-base combination represents a specific amino acid, & matches a tRNA anticodon Some amino acids have only one code; others have several Thus, the code is redundant.

Different forms of the Code:

Summary

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How the code works: The DNA Sequence: TAC AAA GCC TAG GAT ACA ATT Is translated to the mRNA sequence: AUG UUU CGG AUC CUA UGU UAA Which in turn encodes the following sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide: MET—PHE—ARG—ILE—LEU—CYS—(stop)

Wrapping things up: There are three mRNA codons that signal the end of a protein They are called STOP CODONS: UAA, UAG, UGA *in DNA, these are ATT, ATC, & ACT. When it reaches a stop codon, the ribosome releases the mRNA, & translation ends.

Try your hand at this: mRNA Sequence: AUGCCUCGCAAAGGUUGCCACGUAUAA Amino Acid Sequence: MET PRO ARG LYS GLY CYS HIS VAL Stop

“Wobble” base pairing Refers to the fact that the third base in the codon/ anticodon may not actually match

Wobble base pairing Allows some anticodons to bind to more than one codon Recall the genetic code: Multiple codons for one amino acid. Usually the third base in the codon is what differs. Helps overcome errors in transcription (no proofreading mechanism)

Practical Applications “What makes a Firefly Glow?” demonstration of how protein synthesis is involved in making a firefly glow Foods and Protein Synthesis examples of foods that increase protein synthesis to support muscle building Exercise and Protein Synthesis discuss the rate of protein synthesis in relation to exercise

The Central Dogma: Teaching Approach Protein Synthesis Virtual Lab Transcription and Translation Virtual Lab

The Central Dogma: Teaching Approach Protein Synthesis Role-Play  Teacher ropes off a designated area as the nucleus where transcription must occur. The rest of the classroom is the cytoplasm where translation will occur.  8 students are assigned to DNA sequences (24 nucleotides in each)  8 students are assigned to complementary mRNA sequences  8 students are assigned to complementary tRNA anticodons with corresponding amino acids (polypeptide chain)  8 special learning opportunity messages (Ex. “Ribosomes move along the mRNA in a 5’ to 3’ direction, while reading the coding sequence.”) are posted around the classroom corresponding to amino acid polypeptide chains

The Central Dogma: Teaching Approach Protein Synthesis Role Play Continued  DNA students and mRNA students remain in nucleus during transcription. After transcription, mRNA students move into cytoplasm, where tRNA students are waiting for translation.  DNA students begin by writing down the complimentary RNA sequence to their DNA sequence (transcription). They then search the nucleus for their matching mRNA student.  mRNA student then leaves the nucleus and uses the genetic code to write down the corresponding amino acids to their RNA sequence (translation). They then search the cytoplasm for their matching tRNA student.  The tRNA student then searches for the special message associated with their polypeptide chain, thus completing the task.