The animals and humans contain about 20 different amino acids, which combine in different combinations to form a functional protein.
Further Explanation:
Protein synthesis occurs in the following steps:
1. The DNA sequence present in the gene is converted into the messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence through transcription.
2. This mRNA is then translated into an amino acid sequence by translation resulting in the formation of protein or polypeptide chain.
A nucleotide sequence makes up an mRNA, which is read as a codon sequence. Each codon specifies an amino acid. A codon is a set of three nucleotides, and a complete chain of codons determining the amino acid sequence for a particular protein is called the genetic code.
The proteins are composed of different mixtures of 20 amino acids and are expressed through DNA containing only four nucleotides. The different sets of nucleotides are present in a group of three codes for particular amino acids and are referred to as codons. This combination of nucleotides results in the formation of 64 codons for coding 20 amino acids. Out of 64 codons, three are stop codons while the other 61 codons represent an amino acid.
Each amino acid consists of a carboxyl group which is acidic in nature; it has an organic side chain or R group, and an amino group (basic). The R group is unique or specific for a particular amino acid. All these groups are attached to a carbon atom placed at the center. The amino acids are grouped as essential and non-essential, depending on whether they are obtained from the food sources or made within the body, respectively.
The amino acids are essential for humans as they help in the formation of proteins. These proteins are required for the formation of red blood cells, antibodies, enzymes, transport proteins, hormones, and for growth and repair of the organs and tissues.
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Answer Details:
Grade: High School
Chapter: Protein Synthesis
Subject: Biology
Keywords:
Protein synthesis, translation, ribosomes, mRNA, transcription, DNA, nucleotides, codon, amino acids, genetic code, stop codons, amino group, carboxyl group, R group, side chain, essential amino acid, non-essential amino acid, red blood cells, enzymes, antibodies, hormones.
