All proteins are made by genetics. Genes, the basic units of heredity, contain the instructions for building proteins. This process involves several key steps:
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Transcription: The DNA sequence of a gene is copied into a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule.
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Translation: The mRNA molecule travels to a ribosome, where the genetic code is "read" and used to assemble a chain of amino acids.
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Protein Folding: The amino acid chain folds into a specific three-dimensional structure, which determines the protein's function.
This intricate process ensures that the right proteins are made at the right time and in the right amounts. The genetic information, stored in DNA (or RNA in some viruses), dictates the sequence of amino acids that make up each protein. Without this genetic blueprint, the production of proteins would be impossible. Essentially, every protein in an organism is a product of its genetic code.
Examples of proteins made through this genetically directed process include:
- Factor VIII: Used in treating haemophilia A.
- Macrophage activating factor and tumor necrosis factor: Used in cancer treatment.
- CFTR protein: Its dysfunction causes cystic fibrosis. Mutations in the CFTR gene lead to malfunctioning CFTR protein.
The process of protein synthesis is remarkably conserved across all organisms, from bacteria to humans. While specific proteins vary widely, the fundamental mechanisms of genetic control over protein production remain consistent.
The references provided strongly support this conclusion, stating that genes contain the information needed to make proteins (MedlinePlus), proteins are synthesized based on genetic instructions (Genome.gov), and the process starts with a gene containing the instructions (Science Learn). The synthesis takes place in ribosomes, interpreting the genetic code (JAXA). Even the regulation of protein synthesis is under genetic control, with multiple proteins potentially synthesized from a single mRNA molecule (Nature Scitable).
