1. How DNA and RNA make Proteins.

2. Introduction:
Proteins are the building blocks of all life. They have many essential function. Mainly they do the work of the cells and are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs.
PROTEINS

3. Definitions
A. Protein: Molecules made up of groups of amino acids held together by bonds to make up a chain.
B. Amino Acids: Organic compounds that make up proteins.

4. It starts in the Nucleus…
A. Step 1: In a process called TRANSCRIPTION, a strand of RNA (Ribonucleic Acid), copies a section of DNA (Gene) that has a code (recipe) for a protein.
B. This strand of RNA is called messenger RNA (mRNA).

5. C. RNA is a single strand and the Thymine (T) is replaced by Uracil (U). D. Uracil performs the same function of matching with adenine.
E. So, at the end of TRANSCRIPTION, a message has been copied from the DNA instructions. That message is mRNA.
F. The mRNA leaves the nucleus and moves to the ribosomes.

6. In the Ribosome…
Ribosomes are made up of a second type of RNA called Ribosomal RNA (rRNA). In a ribosome is where the next step takes place.
Step 2: The coded message that is carried by the mRNA must be translated into “Amino Acid” language. This step is called TRANSLATION.
Once the message is translated, A third type of RNA is used. This RNA is called Transfer RNA (tRNA).
The tRNA is attached to a AMINO ACID. The tRNA reads the code and matches it with the correct amino acid.

7. Growing Protein Chain
Protein Synthesis

8. It is important to note…
A. When transfer RNA (tRNA) brings in the amino acids, it reads the letters (code) on the mRNA in groups of three.
B. tRNA doesn’t read each letter like A…U…G but, it reads it “AUG”.
C. Each group of three letters is called a CODON.
Growing Protein Chain
AUG

9. D. Each codon codes for as specific amino acid
D. Each codon codes for as specific amino acid. Some codons tell the tRNA where to begin or where to stop reading the message.
E. AUG is the “start” codon and such as UAA a the “stop” codon. (UAG, UGA)