1. Transcription Steps to Transcribe DNA:
The process by which DNA is copied to RNA
Involves an enzyme called RNA Polymerase
Steps to Transcribe DNA:
RNA Polymerase attaches to DNA at a sequence called the promoter
DNA strand separates temporarily
RNA polymerase adds RNA nucleotides to the DNA template
RNA polymerase travels along template strand

2. Transcription
RNA polymerase continues to read from 3’ to 5’ until it reaches a point on the DNA strand called a termination signal.
DNA helix strand joins back together
Only separates when RNA polymerase is attached

3. Translation
The process by which mRNA is “read” and translated into a protein
3 Types of RNA are needed:
mRNA: messenger RNA tRNA: transfer RNA
rRNA: ribosomal RNA
Translation begins at a start codon (AUG)
Ends at a stop codon (UAA, UAG, UGA)

4. Translation Start codon always codes for the amino acid methionine
3 Stages of Translation:
Initiation Elongation Termination
Initiation:
rRNA attaches to mRNA at the start codon (AUG)
tRNA with UAC anticodon and methionine amino acid attaches to mRNA at AUG
rRNA attaches to mRNA over the tRNA

5. Translation Elongation:
tRNA matching next codon attaches to empty codon on mRNA
Peptide bond forms between the 2 amino acids
Ribosome (rRNA pieces) moves toward the 3’ direction
First tRNA drops off and leaves amino acid
Repeats until “STOP” codon is reached.

6. Translation Termination: Ribosome reaches the stop codon
tRNA will never match a stop codon
Last tRNA is released, along with protein
Ribosome detaches into 2 rRNA pieces
All parts are now in the cytoplasm floating freely

7. Overview