Translation: RNA to protein, 3D animation with basic narration

The yellow molecule is messanger RNA (mRNA); it leaves the nucleus; at the ribosome, ribosomal RNA (rRNA) binds to mRNA; transfer RNa or tRNA (in green) can read the three letter code on mRNA or codon; each codon codes for one animo acid (red molecule attached to tRNA); the sequence of codons on the mRNA determines the sequence of amino acids in the protein, which in turn determines the structure and function of the protein.

When the RNA copy is complete, it snakes out into the outer part of the cell. Then in a dazzling display of choreography, all the components of a molecular machine lock together around the RNA to form a miniature factory called a ribosome. It translates the genetic information in the RNA into a string of amino acids that will become a protein. Special transfer molecules — the green triangles — bring each amino acid to the ribosome. The amino acids are the small red tips attached to the transfer molecules. There are different transfer molecules for each of the twenty amino acids. Each transfer molecule carries a three letter code that is matched with the RNA in the machine. Now we come to the heart of the process. Inside the ribosome, the RNA is pulled through like a tape. The code for each amino acid is read off, three letters at a time, and matched to three corresponding letters on the transfer molecules. When the right transfer molecule plugs in, the amino acid it carries is added to the growing protein chain. Again, you are watching this in real time. And after a few seconds the assembled protein starts to emerge from the ribosome. Ribosomes can make any kind of protein. It just depends what genetic message you feed in on the RNA. In this case, the end product is hemoglobin. The cells in our bone marrow churn out a hundred trillion molecules of it per second! And as a result, our muscles, brain and all the vital organs in our body receive the oxygen they need.

messanger rna,ribosomal rna,central dogma,messenger rna,protein production,sequence of amino acids,codons,trna,rrna,structure and function,amino acid,nucleus,molecule,animo,ribosome,animation,translation

Related Content

15481. Translation: RNA to protein, 3D animation with no audio

Translation: RNA to protein, 3D animation with no audio

  • ID: 15481
  • Source: DNAi

16471. Animation 21: RNA is an intermediary between DNA and protein.

Francis Crick describes RNA and its role and Paul Zamecnick explains protein synthesis.

  • ID: 16471
  • Source: DNALC.DNAFTB

16470. Concept 21: RNA is an intermediary between DNA and protein.

The Central Dogma is the flow of genetic information from DNA, to RNA, to protein.

  • ID: 16470
  • Source: DNAFTB

1023. Pathways, Making the protein

In this section learn that in the cytoplasm, the messenger RNA is released from its carrier proteins and binds to a protein assembly complex called a ribosome.

  • ID: 1023
  • Source: IC

16494. Animation 22: DNA words are three letters long.

Several researchers crack the genetic code.

  • ID: 16494
  • Source: DNALC.DNAFTB

16933. 3D Animation of DNA to RNA to Protein

An animation shows how the DNA genetic "code" is made into protein.

  • ID: 16933
  • Source: DNALC.SMA

15353. Figuring out the other codons, Marshall Nirenberg

After decoding the "easy" codons, Marshall Nirenberg talks about his strategy for decoding the rest.

  • ID: 15353
  • Source: DNAi

16492. Problem 21: RNA is an intermediary between DNA and protein.

What happens in protein synthesis?

  • ID: 16492
  • Source: DNALC.DNAFTB

16932. Flow of Information from DNA to RNA to Protein

Dr. Roberts describes the flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein.

  • ID: 16932
  • Source: DNALC.SMA

15679. Translation, small still image

Small image depicting translation.

  • ID: 15679
  • Source: DNAi