A LITTLE LIGHTBULB MOMENT
Biology
Transcription vs. translation
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DNA writes the menu. Ribosomes cook the noodles.
The idea behind the cue
For a protein-coding gene, transcription produces an RNA copy of genetic information. Translation uses messenger RNA at a ribosome to assemble an amino-acid sequence.
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Short & simple
DNA writes the menu. Ribosomes cook the noodles.
Acronym
CR / BP: Copy RNA, Build Protein. The cell runs a Copy Room and a Burger Palace.
Story
A cell copies a recipe into a message, then reads that message to assemble a chain. The message is RNA; the chain is a polypeptide.
Connect the pieces
- Transcription → produces an RNA message
- Translation → uses mRNA to assemble a polypeptide
Know the limits
Not every gene encodes a protein. This short cue leaves out RNA processing and the regulation of gene expression.
MedlinePlus Genetics · Protein production ↗Check your understanding
A ribosome reads an mRNA message and assembles amino acids. Which process is occurring?
A. Replication
B. Transcription
C. Translation
D. Cell division
Reveal explanation
Translation
Translation reads mRNA to assemble the polypeptide. Transcription is the production of RNA from genetic information.