Transcription and Translation - how genes make proteins

The DNA that makes up a genome contains regions that code for proteins called genes. Each gene encodes a unique protein that performs a specialized function in the cell. The human genome contains more than 25,000 genes and a fungal genome typically contains between 6000 and 15000 genes for yeasts and filamentous fungi respectively.

Cells use the two-step process of transcription and translation to read each gene and produce the string of amino acids that makes up a protein. The basic rules for translating a gene into a protein are laid out in the Universal Genetic Code.

To see how this works, look over the diagram at the right. Then try it yourself in the activity below!

 

Transcription and translation