what statement best describes the role of dna in protein synthesis?
What statement best describes the role of DNA in protein synthesis?
Answer:
DNA plays a crucial role in protein synthesis, which is the process by which cells generate proteins. The statement that best describes the role of DNA in protein synthesis is that DNA serves as the template or blueprint for the construction of proteins. The following points elaborate on the role of DNA in protein synthesis:
Genetic Information: DNA contains the genetic information that cells need to produce proteins. Genes are specific sequences of DNA that encode instructions for building proteins. During protein synthesis, this genetic information is transcribed from DNA into mRNA (messenger RNA).
Transcription: The first step in protein synthesis is transcription, where a specific segment of DNA is copied into mRNA by an enzyme called RNA polymerase. This process ensures that the genetic code from the DNA is accurately transcribed into mRNA.
Translation: After transcription, the mRNA travels to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm where the process of translation occurs. Translation is the synthesis of a protein from the mRNA template. Ribosomes read the mRNA codons (sequences of three nucleotides) and match them with the corresponding amino acids, building a chain to form a protein.
Codons and Anticodons: The sequence of nucleotide bases in DNA determines the sequence of bases in mRNA through complementary base pairing. This sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA is called a codon. In the process of translation, transfer RNA (tRNA) carries the corresponding amino acids to the ribosome based on the codons. tRNAs have an anticodon on one end that base pairs with the codons on mRNA.
In summary, DNA provides the genetic instructions for protein synthesis through transcription and translation processes, ensuring that the correct sequence of amino acids is assembled to produce functional proteins essential for various cellular processes.