Question

The process of converting the information contained in the nucleotide sequence of RNA into a sequence of amino acids is called a. transcription. b. translation. c. translocation. d. replication.

Short answer

The correct term for the process of converting the information contained in the nucleotide sequence of RNA into a sequence of amino acids is b. translation.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the terms

Let's understand the meaning of each term: a. Transcription: This process refers to the synthesis of RNA molecules from a DNA template. In other words, it is the process in which an mRNA molecule is produced using the information contained in a strand of DNA. b. Translation: This biological process occurs in the cell, where the genetic code from messenger RNA (mRNA) is used to create a specific sequence of amino acids, which then form a polypeptide chain, or protein. c. Translocation: This term refers to a chromosome abnormality caused by the rearrangement of parts between non-homologous chromosomes, meaning the transfer of genes from one chromosome to another. d. Replication: This is the process of duplicating a DNA molecule to produce two identical copies, which happens during cell division.

Match the term with the process

The process we are looking for is the one in which information from RNA is used to produce a sequence of amino acids. This matches the definition of translation, which is option b. So, the correct answer is: b. translation

Key concepts

Transcription

Transcription is a fundamental process in genetics, where the DNA sequence of a gene is copied into RNA. During this process, RNA polymerase attaches to a DNA template strand and adds complementary RNA nucleotides, forming a single-stranded RNA molecule. This new RNA strand, generally known as messenger RNA or mRNA, carries the genetic information needed for protein synthesis.
Transcription occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and involves three main stages: initiation, elongation, and termination.

• During initiation, the RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region of the gene, unwinding a small portion of the DNA.
• Elongation follows as the polymerase travels along the template strand, adding RNA nucleotides to build the mRNA molecule.
• Finally, termination happens when the RNA polymerase encounters a stop signal, ending the synthesis of RNA.

This mRNA molecule then carries the coded information from the DNA out of the nucleus to be translated into a protein. Thus, transcription is the first step in the journey from gene to functional protein.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, essential for numerous biological processes. There are 20 different amino acids that combine in various sequences to form proteins, each with unique properties and functions.
Amino acids have a standard structure, featuring an amino group \(NH_2\), a carboxyl group \(COOH\), and a distinctive side chain or R group that determines the specific characteristics of each amino acid.

• The sequence and combination of amino acids in a protein determine its three-dimensional structure and function.
• Amino acids can be categorized into essential and non-essential types, depending on whether they can be synthesized by the body or must be obtained through diet.
• They play critical roles in metabolism, growth, and repair of tissues.

Having a complete set of amino acids is crucial for the synthesis of functioning proteins, often driven by the genetic instructions encoded in mRNA.

RNA

RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a versatile and essential molecule in biology, acting as a messenger, a builder, and a regulator within cells. RNA comes in several forms, each serving a unique purpose in protein synthesis and other cellular functions.
There are three major types of RNA involved in the process of making proteins:

• mRNA (messenger RNA): Carries the genetic blueprint copied from DNA, conveying the information necessary for protein construction.
• rRNA (ribosomal RNA): A fundamental component of ribosomes, where protein synthesis occurs, providing the physical platform for mRNA translation.
• tRNA (transfer RNA): Brings the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome, ensuring that the protein being synthesized becomes correctly sequenced.

RNA's role doesn't stop at protein synthesis. It's also vital in gene regulation and expression, serving as an adapter between the genetic code and the amino acids that form proteins. This complex molecule is crucial for translating the static information in DNA into dynamic activities essential for life.

Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is the cellular process of building proteins, one of the most critical functions for life. It occurs in two main stages: transcription and translation, both of which ensure that the genetic code turns into functional proteins.
During transcription, as we described earlier, DNA is transcribed into mRNA in the cell's nucleus. This mRNA then travels to the cytoplasm to participate in translation.

• Initiation: The process begins when the mRNA binds to a ribosome, a complex machinery site for protein production.
• Elongation: tRNA molecules deliver amino acids to the ribosome, where they're linked together by peptide bonds in a sequence dictated by the mRNA.
• Termination: The process ends once a stop codon is reached on the mRNA, signaling the completion of the protein chain.

Upon completion, the newly formed polypeptide chain folds into a specific shape, allowing it to perform its function. Protein synthesis thus transcribes genetic information into proteins that execute numerous roles within organisms, from catalyzing biochemical reactions to providing structural support.