DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, does not directly contain protein. However, DNA provides the instructions for building proteins. Here's how:
- Genes: Segments of DNA called genes contain the genetic code that specifies the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
- Transcription: The gene's sequence is copied into a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. This process is called transcription.
- Translation: The mRNA travels to ribosomes, where the genetic code is translated into a chain of amino acids. This process is called translation.
- Protein Folding: The amino acid chain folds into a specific three-dimensional structure, forming the functional protein.
Therefore, DNA holds the blueprint for protein synthesis, but the protein itself is not directly present within the DNA molecule.
