The Process of Translation: The Role of Ribosomes in Protein Synthesis
What is the main function of ribosomes in the process of translation?
a. Free-floating amino acids are picked up by tRNA
b. Information from DNA is copied to RNA
c. DNA strands are separated and copied
d. Amino acid chains are assembled from information in the mRNA
Answer:
d. Amino acid chains are assembled from information in the mRNA
Explanation:
The ribosome is the site where amino acid chains are assembled from information in the mRNA (Option d).
During gene transcription, a sequence of DNA called gene is used as a template to create a messenger RNA (mRNA).
Subsequently, this mRNA travels to the ribosome to be used as a template for the creation of a protein by the process of translation.
The ribosome is the site where successive amino acids are added to the growing polypeptide according to the order of triplets of nucleotides or 'codons' in the mRNA sequence.
In conclusion, the ribosome is the site where amino acid chains are assembled from information in the mRNA (Option d).
Ribosomes play a crucial role in the process of translation, which is the second step in the central dogma of molecular biology. After gene transcription, where a segment of DNA is transcribed into mRNA, the mRNA travels to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
At the ribosome, the mRNA serves as a template for the assembly of amino acids into a polypeptide chain. This process involves decoding the genetic information carried by the mRNA in the form of codons (three-nucleotide sequences) that specify particular amino acids. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring the corresponding amino acids to the ribosome, where they are added to the growing polypeptide chain. The ribosome facilitates the formation of peptide bonds between the amino acids, ultimately leading to the synthesis of a functional protein.
The ribosome acts as the molecular machine that coordinates the complex process of translation, ensuring that the genetic code in the mRNA is accurately read and translated into the correct sequence of amino acids. Without ribosomes, the cell would not be able to produce the proteins essential for its structure, function, and regulation.