Page 138 - The Cell in 40 Topics
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The Cell in 40 Topics
Figure 106.
When the enzyme RNA polymerase reaches the
stopping codon, it understands that the copying
must stop, and halts the process.
come to an end. (The word codon refers to any triple group of nucleotides
that constitute the DNA code.) When the RNA polymerase arrives at the
codon, it understands that the copying process is to end. And at this point,
the messenger RNA bearing the message for the protein separates from the
DNA (Figure 106).
Great care is again taken at this point, because the messenger RNA
will cover a considerable distance, exiting the nucleus and going to the ri-
bosome where production is to take place. It is also essential that the mes-
sage it carries should come to no harm. Therefore, it emerges from the cell
nucleus under the protection of various special enzymes.
Protein production is by no means limited to these phases. However,
the miraculous events that have occurred up to now are some of the proofs
of God’s sublime artistry and infinite knowledge.
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