DNA -> Transcription -> RNA -> Translation -> Protein
DNA holds the code or recipe for all the proteins that our cells and bodies need to make. DNA is stuck in the nucleus because it is a large double helix, this is a problem because proteins are made at the ribosome which is located outside of the nuclear membrane in the cytoplasm. mRNA or messenger RNA makes copy of the code via transcription (think of a waiter taking down your order at a restaurant). Some main differences between DNA and RNA are that RNA is single stranded, has a different sugar (Ribose) and it does not contain thymine (T) but instead has uracil(U). Since the mRNA is only single stranded, it is small enough to leave the nucleus and does just that. It carries the code of a gene (which codes for one protein to be made) out of the nucleus and to the ribosome (site of protein synthesis). Every three bases on a strand of mRNA represent a codon, they code for a specific amino acid.
tRNA or transfer RNA molecules that are free floating in the nucleus carry a specific amino acid based on their anti codon. The tRNA molecules bring the specific amino acid to the corresponding codon of mRNA at the ribosome. The ribosome then links one amino acid to the next with peptide bonds forming between them. 50 or more amino acids linked together and folded in a certain way are needed to build a protein.
We use an mRNA codon chart to figure out the sequence of amino acids being linked together and thus the protein being coded for.
Proteins
Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body. They do most of the work in cells and are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs. Essentially, proteins are what make you, you. Proteins are made up of hundreds or thousands of smaller units or building blocks called amino acids. There are 20 different types of amino acids that can be combined to in different orders to make a protein. The sequence of amino acids determines each protein’s unique 3-dimensional (3D) structure and its specific function.