mRNA Function in Cell

Translation occurs when genetic information on a strand of mDNA is used to direct the synthesis of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. This process is carried out by transfer RNA (tRNA), and is essential for the formation of proteins.

translation/RNA translation

Translation

mRNA to protein

• Takes place on ribosomes in the cell cytoplasm
• Three stages: initiation, elongation, termination
• Ends with release of a new protein

messenger RNA

mRNA

messenger Ribonucleic Acid

mRNA is one type of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA), and it is used to carry segments of the DNA code to other parts of the cell. Through transcription, DNA is turned into mRNA, and through translation, mRNA is used to build proteins.Like DNA, mRNA contains Adenine, Guanine, and Cytosine. However, instead of Thymine, mRNA contains the nitrogenous base Uracil. Additionally, mRNA is shaped as a single-stranded helix.

Transcription occurs when genetic information on a strand of DNA is copied onto a new molecule of mRNA. This process must occur in order to allow genetic information to exit the nucleus: mRNA can leave the nucleus, while DNA cannot.

Translation: DNA to mRNA to Protein

Transcription

DNA to mRNA

• Carried out by RNA polymerase II enzyme
• DNA acts as a blueprint for mRNA synthesis
• Results in single-stranded copy of gene (mRNA)

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Fact Sheet

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid

DNA, which is a nucleic acid, contains the genetic blueprint of an organism. Living inside the nucleus of a cell, DNA is made up of nucleotides, which contain three parts: a phosphate group, a sugar group, and one of four nitrogen bases (Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine).Adenine bonds with Thymine, and Guanine with Cytosine, and these base pairs play a role in the unique double helix shape of DNA.