Understanding protein synthesis is the key to grasping the core principles of molecular biology, biotechnology, and genetics. And before you start writing a protein synthesis assignment, understanding how protein synthesis is a fundamental biological process is essential. Therefore, learning about the key concepts of protein synthesis and how our bodies function at a molecular level is the first step to writing the perfect protein synthesis assignment.
However, it can be daunting at first to sit with the assignment, overwhelmed with the huge amount of information involved and the need to structure it in an understandable yet academically sound manner. Hence, in this blog, we have arranged all the things required for the perfect protein synthesis assignment to help you understand the topic and score well. If you’re still struggling at the end, you can use our biology assignment help services anytime to get your assignment completed by our experts, on time. But before everything, let’s learn briefly what is protein synthesis.
Understanding Protein Synthesis
What is Protein Synthesis?
The process by which a cell builds protein from the genetic information stored in the DNA is known as protein synthesis. It is a vital process as protein is required for possibly every function that happens in the human body. The process consists of two major stages known as transcription and translation. Transcriptions is where DNA is transcribed in messenger RNA (mRNA) and translation is where mRNA is translated into a chain of amino acids to form a protein.
Why is it Important?
To put it simply, protein synthesis is crucial for the functioning of any lifeform. This process plays a vital role behind the crucial life processes in humans like chemical reactions in the body, the development of antibodies to defend the body, and the use of hormones to send signals to different body parts. All of these functions are dependent on protein synthesis.
Key Players in the Protein Synthesis Process
Key players in the protein synthesis process include DNA, RNA, mRNA, tRNA, and Ribosomes. Let’s review the role of each of these key players.
- DNA: Also known as deoxyribonucleic acid, it stores genetic information and instructions that are unique to a person.
- RNA: Ribonucleic acid is a broad category of nucleic acid that acts as a messenger and translator, crucial for the process of protein synthesis.
- mRNA: messenger ribonucleic acid works as a messenger between the DNA and ribosomes.
- tRNA: The role of transfer ribonucleic acid is to bring the correct amino acid to the ribosomes for protein synthesis.
- Ribosomes: These are structures made from cells where the proteins are assembled for synthesis.
Key Stages of Protein Synthesis
There are two key stages of protein synthesis.
Stage 1: Transcription
In this first stage, the goal is transcription by using DNA to create an RNA copy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it works.
- RNA polymerase binds to the target gene’s promoter region.
- The double helix of the DNA is unwinded
- The DNA template is used by a single-stranded mRNA molecule. It is synthesised by RNA polymerase.
- Lastly, the mRNA is processed before exiting the nucleus by different processes such as poly-A tail, splicing, and capping.
Important note: Mention the key terms mentioned above without fail to ensure your assignment is graded well. Terms like RNA polymerase, single-stranded mRNA molecule, and processes like poly-A tail and capping must be mentioned.
Stage 2: Translation
The second stage involves the assembly of a chain of amino acids that correspond to the mRNA code being translated.
- The mRNA molecule attaches to ribosomes.
- tRNA or Transfer Ribonucleic Acid brings the correct amino acids to the ribosome.
- Each tRNA molecule matches with its specific mRNA codon using its anticodon.
- The amino acids brought by tRNA create a polypeptide chain by linking together using peptide bonds.
- The translation process stop when the stop mRNA codon is reached, completing the protein synthesis process.
Important Note: As a student of the top UK universities, it is crucial that you mention the correct terms in your assignment for this section, such as codon, anticodon, tRNA, peptide bonds, start codon, and stop codons.
Where Does Protein Synthesis Occur?
Protein synthesis occurs in cells. That may sound vague, but there are specific cells, namely Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic cells, where this function takes place. Let’s take a closer look at these two cell types.
- Eukaryotic Cells: Eukaryotic cells, much like other cells, have a nucleus and cytoplasm. That’s where the protein synthesis process, specifically the transcription and translation parts of the process, occurs. The transcription of using a DNA template to create an RNA copy is performed inside the Eukaryotic cell’s nucleus. The translation of coded genetic messages and the subsequent formation of a polypeptide chain is performed in the cytoplasm of said cells at the ribosome. These ribosomes are either free-floating or attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
- Prokaryotic Cells: Prokaryotic cells are unique due to their absence of a nucleus. This leads to the entire protein synthesis process being performed in the cytoplasm of the cell. Both the transcription and translation processes function almost simultaneously when protein synthesis is performed in prokaryotic cells due to the lack of a nucleus.
How to Structure A Protein Synthesis Assignment?
The layout of a protein synthesis assignment is crucial for good grades. Here’s a structure template that you can easily follow for your next protein synthesis assignment. If you’re still having doubts or struggling, you can try our university assignment help services to get your protein synthesis assignments done by an expert, on time.
Assignment Introduction
- Define the process of protein synthesis. Use the correct terminology and do not shy away from jargon.
- Showcase the real-world relevance of protein synthesis in different industries such as agriculture and medicine. Also, talk about its importance in biological systems of life.
Main Discussions of the Assignment
- Get into a detailed description of the two processes of protein synthesis, namely transcription and translation.
- Use visual aids such as diagrams whenever possible to keep your assignment looking its best and also containing all the relevant information required to stand out.
- Talk about the real-world applications of protein synthesis such as its role in the creation of mRNA vaccines, how it causes diseases such as sickle cell anaemia, and how it can be used for producing insulin in the body through genetic engineering.
Concluding Arguments
Create a solid conclusion based on your understanding of the concept and try to maintain parity between your opening and closing arguments to showcase your ability to create cohesive assignments.
Citations
Lastly, remember to cite your sources accurately using your university’s choice of referencing systems.
Diagrams & Visual Representation
Diagrams and visual representations are key to your assignment’s success. Here is a list of diagrams that you should include in your protein synthesis assignments.
- A diagram of the transcription process
- A diagram showing the details of the translation process
- A diagram of the tRNA and ribosome interaction with the mRNA
- A diagram of the codon chart and amino acid tables
The diagrams mentioned above are also added below (in order) for your reference.
Importance of using labelled diagrams
Using labelled diagrams helps the reader find clarity and a clear idea about your conceptual prowess. Biology as a subject is also heavily dependent on diagrams, and as such, it is the subject’s specific requirement to have labelled diagrams in any college-level assignment.
Best practices for drawing diagrams
- Make clean diagrams without errors using simple bold lines.
- Label each part specifically in order to avoid any confusion
- Use different colours to differentiate between different elements such as DNA and RNA, codons and anticodons.
- Lastly, always remember to add a caption at the bottom of a diagram to explain what it’s about. Any diagram is incomplete without a caption.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Protein Synthesis Assignment
- Misinterpreting transcription and translation: These are the two most important points of the assignment. Failure to interpret them correctly can lead to your entire assignment going wrong. Please use all the help necessary to interpret these concepts clearly before writing your assignment.
- Not citing sources correctly: As an academic, citing your sources and not plagiarising from published papers is crucial. Make sure you use the right citation format chosen by your university. Also make sure you cite all your sources, even ones you’ve used for diagrams if you’re making your assignment digitally.
- Lack of clear structure and diagrams: Structuring the assignment is crucial for good grades. There needs to be a clear line of communication between the introduction and the conclusion. Make sure you break up the assignment into different sections and space them out using diagrams. These practices help ensure your assignment gets the desired grade.
Ending Note
Writing a perfect assignment isn’t just about mentioning all the facts as quickly as possible. The key here is writing and being able to create a compelling argument through your assignment from start to finish. Even if you’re thoroughly experienced in your understanding of protein synthesis. Your writing and visualisation skills are still necessary to make your assignment stand out. If you’re still struggling, you don’t have to feel bad. Be sure to check out our biology assignment help services at Digi Assignment Help, and our experts will help you create the perfect assignment that you can use as a reference moving forward.
