7 Facts in relation to Protein Synthesis

1- The DNA code for the protein remains in the nucleus, but a copy, called mRNA, moves from the nucleus to the ribosomes where proteins are synthesised in the cytoplasm. 2- Amino acids are connected together in a specific order at the ribosome (see diagram) to create a specific protein molecule 3- The protein produced depends on the template used, and if this sequence changes a different protein will be made 4- Carrier molecules bring specific amino acids to add to the growing protein in the correct order (there's about 20 different naturally-occurring amino acids) 5- DNA structure determines the protein synthesised. If this changes a different protein will be made 6- Each protein molecule has hundreds, or even thousands, of amino acids joined together in a unique sequence. It is then folded into the correct unique shape. This allows the protein to do their jobs, such as enzymes or hormones and it can form structures within the body, such as collagen 7- Not all parts of the DNA code for proteins, there is a coding and non-coding part of DNA, which can switch genes on and off, so variations in these areas may affect gene expression, and if the correct protein is synthesised or not