DNA RNA POLYPEPTIDE

Gene 1 Gene 3

DNA molecule

Gene 2

DNA strand

TRANSCRIPTION

RNA

Codon
TRANSLATION

Polypeptide
Amino acid
DNA is in the language of nucleotides

RNA is in the language of nucleotides

Polypeptides are in the language of amino acids

Converting DNA to RNA is the process of

transcription.

Where does transcription take place?

Transcription
Process by which a molecule of RNA is
synthesized that is complementary to a
specific sequence of DNA

– Occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells &

cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.
– Is regulated by operons (bacterial cells) or
transcription factors (multicellular organisms).
– Involves 3 stages: initiation, elongation &
termination
1. Initiation
• RNA polymerase attaches to a promoter on
DNA strand.

• Helicase unzips a short section of DNA.

• Free RNA nucleotides move in & H-bond to
complementary bases on DNA template strand.
2. Elongation
• RNA polymerase links RNA nucleotides together in
a 5’ to 3’ direction.
• Growing RNA strand peels away from DNA
template.

3. Termination
• RNA polymerase detaches when it reaches a
terminator.

• Completed RNA molecule

is released from DNA
template.
Usually, several copies of RNA are made
at a time. 1 2 3
Virtually all organisms share the same genetic code!

Just like we have 26 letters in the alphabet to construct

words, the alphabet of DNA has 4 letters to use to
construct polypeptides.

DNA template C A G T A A G C C
RNA strand G U C A U U C G G

So how is the code used to construct polypeptides?

 Three major types of RNA are
transcribed.
• mRNA (messenger RNA) - encodes genetic
information from DNA & carries it into the
cytoplasm.

5’ 3’

codon
Each three consecutive mRNA bases forms a
genetic code word (codon) that codes for a
particular amino acid.
• rRNA (ribosomal RNA) - associates
with proteins to form ribosomes.

large subunit

small subunit

Subunits are separate in the cytoplasm, but join

during protein synthesis (translation).
• tRNA (transfer RNA) - transports
specific amino acids to ribosome
during protein synthesis (translation).

Anticodon - specific
sequence of 3 nucleotides;
complementary to an
mRNA codon.
Amino acid accepting end

Anticodon sequence determines the specific

amino acid that binds to tRNA.
Eukaryotic mRNA must be processed before
it exits nucleus & enters cytoplasm.

• nucleotide cap
is added
• “poly A tail” is
added
• introns are
removed
 mRNA is in the language of nucleotides while
polypeptides use the language of amino
acids.

To understand the information in mRNA, translation is

needed!

Where does translation take place?

The language of amino acids is based on codons

1 codon = 3 mRNA nucleotides

1 codon = 1 amino acid

A UA U A U G C C C G C

How many codons are in this sequence of mRNA?

Using this
chart, you can
determine
which amino
acid the codon
“codes” for!

Which amino
acid is
encoded in the
codon CAC?
 Find the
second
letter of
Find the the codon
first letter CAC
of the
codon
CAC

Find the
third letter
of the
codon
CAC
CAC codes
for the
amino acid
histidine
(his).
 What does
the mRNA
codon
UAC code
for?

Tyr or tyrosine
Notice there is one
start codon AUG.
Transcription begins
at that codon!
Notice there are three
stop codons.
Transcription stops
when these codons
are encountered.
What molecules are needed for translation?

mRNA
Transfer RNA
(tRNA)

Ribosomes

A good attitude!

You always need this!

Transfer RNA has a place where an amino acid
attaches and an anticodon

Amino acid
attachment
site

Anticodon
Transfer RNA has a place where an amino acid
attaches and an anticodon
Amino acid attachment site

Amino acid
attachment
site

Hydrogen bond

RNA polynucleotide chain

Anticodon Anticodon
There is only 1 amino acid per tRNA
Amino acid attachment site

Amino acid
attachment
site

Hydrogen bond

RNA polynucleotide chain

Anticodon Anticodon
The anticodon is complimentary to the codon.

Amino acid
attachment
site

So if the anticodon is UAC,

then it can only pair with a
codon of AUG!

Anticodon
Each ribosome has a “P” and an “A” site.

P site A site

P A
mRNA
binding
site
 Each ribosome has a “P” and an “A” site.

Next amino acid

to be added to
P site A site polypeptide

Growing
polypeptide

tRNA
P A
mRNA mRNA
binding
site

Codons
Translation consists of three steps

Initiation

Elongation

Termination
Initiation

Translation begins at the start codon on the mRNA

Start of genetic message

End
Initiation

mRNA, a specific tRNA, and the ribosome subunits

assemble during initiation

Large
Initiator tRNA ribosomal
subunit
P site
A site

Start
codon Small ribosomal
mRNA subunit

1 2
Elongation
 Amino acid
Elongation
Polypeptide
A
P site site
Anticodon

mRNA
1 Codon recognition

mRNA
movement

Stop
codon

New 2 Peptide bond

peptide formation
bond

3 Translocation Figure 10.14

Termination
Termination