From Gene to Polypeptide
- A gene is a sequence of nucleotides that forms part of a DNA molecule (one DNA molecule contains many genes)
- This sequence of nucleotide bases (the gene) codes for the production of a specific polypeptide (protein)
- Protein molecules are made up of a series of amino acids bonded together
- The shape and behaviour of a protein molecule depend on the exact sequence of these amino acids
- The initial sequence of amino acids is known as the primary structure of the protein molecule
- The genes in DNA molecules, therefore, control protein structure (and as a result, protein function) as they determine the exact sequence in which the amino acids join together when proteins are synthesised in a cell
A gene is a sequence of nucleotides that codes for the production of a specific protein molecule (polypeptide)
Exam Tip
One gene codes for one mRNA molecule, which codes for one polypeptide. This is known as the central dogma of molecular biology.
Remember – each chromosome in a human cell nucleus contains one very long DNA molecule. This DNA molecule is made up of thousands of specific nucleotide sequences called genes that code for specific proteins. Even though these genes are all found within the same DNA molecule and are therefore all linked up, each individual gene has a specific start and stop point. This ensures that the DNA is read correctly and that the correct protein molecules are produced that are required by the cell to function properly.
