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Protein synthesis involves DNA and RNA in building proteins. Enzymes unwind DNA to create RNA, which is sent to the cytoplasm and attracted to ribosomes. Transfer RNA brings amino acids to the ribosome, where they bind together with the help of ATP to create a protein. The process occurs in multiple ribosomes and can produce hundreds of proteins per second.
Protein synthesis is the process by which individual cells build proteins. Both deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and all types of ribonucleic acid (RNA) are involved in this process. Enzymes in the cell nucleus begin the process of protein synthesis by unwinding the necessary section of DNA so that RNA can be made. RNA forms as a copy of one side of the DNA strand and is sent to other areas of the cell to help bring together the different amino acids that make up proteins. Protein synthesis is so called because proteins are “synthesized” through mechanical and chemical processes in the cell.
Once the RNA strand has been created in the nucleus, it is called messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA exits the nucleus through tiny openings called nuclear pores and moves into the larger area of the cell, known as the cytoplasm. Once out of the nucleus, mRNA is attracted to a structure known as the ribosome, which serves as the cell’s workstation for protein synthesis. At this point, only one subunit of the ribosome is present.
When mRNA binds to the ribosomal subunit, it triggers the approach of another strand of RNA, called transfer RNA (tRNA). The tRNA strand looks for the right place to bind to the mRNA, and when it finds it, it attaches to the mRNA, while holding an amino acid on one end. When this occurs, the other subunit of the ribosome comes to form a complete structure. As the ribosome surrounds the RNA strands, another tRNA strand approaches. This strand carries another amino acid and is different from the first. Again, the tRNA looks for the right place to bind to the mRNA.
When the second strand of tRNA is in place with its amino acid, the two amino acids bind together with the help of the ribosome, as well as cellular energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This sequence repeats and the amino acid chain lengthens. When the amino acids have all been placed in the correct sequence, the chain folds into a three-dimensional shape. When this has occurred, the protein is complete.
Once the protein has been successfully produced, the two subunits of the ribosome separate, to be rejoined for later use. The process of protein synthesis occurs in numerous ribosomes throughout the cell. An efficiently functioning cell can synthesize hundreds of proteins every second.
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