Proteins Like Channels Embedded Within The Cell's Plasma Mem
Proteins Like Channels Embedded Within The Cells Plasma Membrane And
Proteins like channels embedded within the cell's plasma membrane and enzymes scattered in the cytoplasm carry out vital functions. Explain the steps of the biological process, allowing cells to make proteins from genes. Provide as many details as possible about each step. Include in-text citations with page numbers 300 words Citations from: Gerard J. Tortora, Berdell R. Funke, Christine L. Case - Microbiology: an introduction-Pearson (2019).
Paper For Above instruction
The process by which cells synthesize proteins from genes is a complex and highly coordinated series of events that ensures accurate transfer of genetic information into functional proteins. This process involves two main stages: transcription and translation. Each stage plays a critical role in determining the structure and function of the final protein product.
The first step, transcription, begins in the nucleus where a specific segment of DNA, corresponding to a gene, is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA). During transcription, the enzyme RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region of the gene and unwinds the DNA helix. It then reads the DNA template strand and synthesizes a complementary strand of mRNA in the 5’ to 3’ direction, incorporating ribonucleotides accordingly (Tortora et al., 2019, p. 300). Once the mRNA is complete, it undergoes processing, including the addition of a 5’ cap and a 3’ poly-A tail, and removal of introns through splicing.
The mature mRNA then exits the nucleus through nuclear pores and attaches to a ribosome in the cytoplasm. During translation, the ribosome reads the mRNA sequence codon by codon, each consisting of three nucleotides. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules, each carrying a specific amino acid, recognize and bind to these codons via their anticodons in a process facilitated by the ribosome (Tortora et al., 2019, p. 301). The ribosome catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids, creating a growing polypeptide chain. As translation continues, the sequence of codons dictates the precise order of amino acids, determining the protein’s primary structure.
Embedded proteins within the plasma membrane, such as channels, are synthesized in the cytoplasm and then processed in the endoplasmic reticulum. These proteins are transported via vesicles to the Golgi apparatus for further modification and sorting. Finally, they are embedded into the plasma membrane or secreted outside the cell, fulfilling vital functions like signaling, transport, and cellular communication. Throughout this process, enzymes and other structural proteins play essential roles in ensuring proper function and regulation (Tortora et al., 2019, pp. 300-302).
Thus, gene expression is a highly regulated and intricate process involving transcription in the nucleus and translation in the cytoplasm, culminating in the synthesis of proteins that sustain cellular life and facilitate interaction with the environment.
References
- Tortora, G. J., Funke, B. R., & Case, C. L. (2019). Microbiology: An Introduction. Pearson.