From DNA to protein - 3D

The video starts by introducing the cell, the basic unit of living tissue, and its nucleus. Within the nucleus, the genome is contained, split into 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Each chromosome holds a long strand of DNA, tightly wound around proteins known as histones. Sections within the DNA, called genes, contain all the instructions for making proteins.

When a gene is active, an enzyme called RNA polymerase attaches to its beginning. It moves along the DNA, creating a strand of messenger RNA (mRNA) from free bases in the nucleus. The DNA code dictates the order in which these bases are added to the mRNA, a process known as transcription.

Before the messenger RNA can be used for protein production, it undergoes processing where sections are removed and added. Afterward, the messenger RNA exits the nucleus and moves into the cytoplasm.

In the cytoplasm, ribosomes (protein factories) bind to the messenger RNA. The ribosome reads the code on the mRNA to assemble a chain of amino acids. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules transport specific amino acids to the ribosome.

The messenger RNA is read three bases at a time. Each triplet corresponds to a specific amino acid, which is delivered by a tRNA and added to a growing chain. Once the final amino acid is added, the chain folds into a complex 3D shape, forming the functional protein.