Protein synthesis can be broadly divided into two main phases: transcription and translation.
Transcription
Transcription is the first major step in protein synthesis. During this phase:
- A specific section of DNA, known as a gene, is used as a template.
- This template is copied into a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA).
- The mRNA then carries the genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis actually takes place.
Translation
Translation is the second main phase of protein synthesis:
- Ribosomes read the mRNA sequence.
- The sequence is decoded to build a specific chain of amino acids.
- These amino acid chains are known as polypeptides which then fold into proteins.
- Each three-base sequence (codon) on the mRNA specifies a particular amino acid.
Summary Table
| Phase | Description | Location | Template | Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transcription | DNA is copied into mRNA | Nucleus | DNA | mRNA |
| Translation | mRNA is decoded, and amino acids are linked together to form a polypeptide (which will become a protein). | Ribosome/Cytoplasm | mRNA | Protein |
In summary, while transcription and translation are the two phases, we might say there are two different types of process in protein synthesis based on this division. However, it's most accurate to describe transcription and translation as two phases within the overall process of protein synthesis.
