Page 45 - The Miracle of Creation in DNA

r-RNA m-RNA t-RNA
A mRNA copy is made of the information in the DNA

Nucleus

mRNA goes to the
cytoplasm, that is, to the
ribosomes.
Cytoplasm
Ribosome gets
prepared for
protein synthesis. Transfer
RNAs move
mRNA settles in
freely in the
the protein
cytoplasm
synthesis site of
ribosomes.

Translation

In the ribosomes, messenger RNA and transfer RNA
interact with each other and bind. Amino acids that are
properly positioned are joined by peptide bonds in the
correct sequence to form proteins.
Transfer RNA collects the amino
acids in the cytoplasm and
transfers them to the ribosome.

When the need is felt for a protein in a cell, a signal is sent to the DNA molecule. The DNA molecule
receiving the signal understands which protein is needed. Then the DNA makes an RNA copy carrying
specific information for making a protein, which is called messenger RNA. After receiving the information,
mRNA leaves the nucleus and heads straight for the ribosomes, the protein production factory. At the
same time, another RNA copied from the DNA, called transfer RNA, carries the amino acids for the
proteins to the ribosomes. Each tRNA is an "adapter" molecule that can link with a specific amino acid.
The tRNA which carries the amino acid sequence information of the protein to be formed settles in the
production site of the ribosome. The amino acids brought by the tRNA take their places according to the
sequence notified by the messenger RNA. Then another RNA molecule copied from DNA, called ribosomal
RNA, enables the messenger and transfer RNAs to join together. Amino acids brought in by the transfer
RNAs develop peptide bonds to form protein chains. The messenger RNAs leave the ribosome having
deposited their loads. The protein that is produced then proceeds to where it will be used.