Opinion - (2024) Volume 10, Issue 6
The Mechanism of Protein Synthesis: From DNA to Functional Proteins
John Ko*
Department of Biochemistry, University of Sejong, Korea
*Correspondence:
John Ko,
Department of Biochemistry, University of Sejong,
Korea,
Email:
Received: 02-Dec-2024, Manuscript No. IPBMBJ-25-22544 ;
Editor assigned: 04-Dec-2024, Pre QC No. IPBMBJ-25-22544 (PQ);
Reviewed: 18-Dec-2024, QC No. IPBMBJ-25-22544 ;
Revised: 23-Dec-2024, Manuscript No. IPBMBJ-25-22544 (R);
Published:
30-Dec-2024, DOI: 10.36648/2471-8084-10.6.45
Introduction
Protein synthesis is a fundamental biological process through
which cells generate proteins necessary for various cellular
functions. These proteins are crucial for maintaining structural
integrity, catalyzing biochemical reactions, and regulating cellular
activities. The process of protein synthesis is highly regulated and
occurs in two primary stages: transcription and translation. This
article delves into the mechanisms, regulation, and significance
of protein synthesis in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
The process of protein synthesis consists of two main steps:
transcription and translation. Transcription involves the
conversion of genetic information from DNA into messenger RNA
(mRNA), while translation is the process through which ribosomes
synthesize proteins using the mRNA template. Both steps require a
coordinated effort among various molecules, including ribosomes,
transfer RNA (tRNA), and enzymes. Transcription is the process
by which the genetic code stored in DNA is copied into an mRNA
molecule. This occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and the
cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells. The process begins when RNA
polymerase binds to a specific DNA sequence known as the
promoter.
Description
The RNA polymerase reads the template strand of DNA and
incorporates ribonucleotides that match the DNA sequence.
Termination occurs when RNA polymerase reaches a termination
signal in the DNA. In prokaryotic cells, termination may occur
through rho-dependent or rho-independent mechanisms. In
prokaryotes, this occurs at the Shine-Dalgarno sequence, while in
eukaryotes, the ribosome recognizes the 5รข?? cap. The initiator tRNA
carrying methionine (or formyl-methionine in prokaryotes) binds
to the start codon (AUG), followed by the attachment of the large
ribosomal subunit. Elongation occurs as amino acids are added
sequentially to the growing polypeptide chain. The ribosome
reads each mRNA codon, and the corresponding aminoacyltRNA
binds to the A site.Proteins fold into their specific threedimensional
structures with the help of chaperones. Some proteins
require cleavage of specific segments to become active. These
modifications regulate protein function, stability, and localization.
Protein synthesis is tightly regulated to ensure proper cellular
function. Gene expression is controlled at the transcription level
by transcription factors and enhancers/silencers. The stability of
mRNA affects its translation efficiency. The ubiquitin-proteasome
system degrades misfolded or unnecessary proteins. Although the
core mechanism is conserved, there are key differences between
prokaryotic and eukaryotic protein synthesis. Protein synthesis
plays a critical role in health and disease.
Conclusion
Defects in this process can lead to genetic disorders,
neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Many antibiotics, such
as tetracyclines and chloramphenicol, target bacterial ribosomes
to inhibit protein synthesis, making them effective antimicrobial
agents. Additionally, research into protein synthesis has led to
advancements in biotechnology, including recombinant protein
production and gene therapy. Protein synthesis is an essential
biological process that ensures the proper functioning and survival
of cells. The intricate mechanisms of transcription and translation,
along with post-translational modifications, contribute to protein
diversity and functionality. Understanding protein synthesis has
profound implications in medicine, biotechnology, and genetic
research. Ongoing studies continue to uncover new regulatory
mechanisms, further expanding our knowledge and potential
applications of this vital cellular process.
Acknowledgement
None.
Conflict Of Interest
The author declares there is no conflict of interest.
Citation: Ko J (2024) The Mechanism of Protein Synthesis: From DNA to Functional Proteins. Biochem Mol Biol J. 10:45.
Copyright: © 2024 Ko J. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
