College Biology Help: Understanding Proteins & Translation Processes

In summary, proteins are large molecules made up of amino acids that play a critical role in biological processes such as metabolism and growth. They are made through a process called translation, where DNA is transcribed into mRNA and then used to assemble amino acids into a protein. Transcription and translation are different processes that occur in the nucleus and cytoplasm of cells, respectively. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and their sequence determines the structure and function of the protein. Mutations in the genetic code can affect protein synthesis, resulting in non-functional or altered proteins that can have various effects on the organism.
  • #1
Astronomer186
3
0
Hi,

In my Medical Microbiology class, the prof introduced the process of translation during protein synthesis. For prokaryotes: 70S, eukaryotes: 80S. Just a question...I know that "S" is a unit, but what type of unit is it called? In other words, what does the "S" stand for? If anyone can tell me, that'd be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
It is related to the size of the ribosomes in terms of protein subunits.

The S stands for Svedbergs. It is related to the sedimentation rate of the ribosomes in a centrifuge at high speed.

Hope that helps.
 
  • #3


Hello,

Thank you for sharing your question about the units used in translation during protein synthesis. The "S" in 70S and 80S stands for Svedberg units, which is a measure of the sedimentation rate of a particle in a centrifuge. This measurement is used to determine the size and shape of a molecule, such as a protein or ribosome, based on its rate of sedimentation. It is named after Theodor Svedberg, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist who developed the technique. I hope this helps clarify the meaning of the "S" units for you. Best of luck in your studies!
 

Related to College Biology Help: Understanding Proteins & Translation Processes

1. What are proteins and why are they important?

Proteins are large, complex molecules made up of long chains of amino acids. They play a critical role in many biological processes, such as metabolism, growth, and repair. They also serve as structural components of cells and tissues, and are involved in communication between cells.

2. How are proteins made in the body?

Proteins are made through a process called translation, which occurs in the ribosomes of cells. During translation, the genetic information stored in DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA), which is then used as a template to assemble the amino acids in the correct sequence to form a protein.

3. What is the difference between transcription and translation?

Transcription is the process of copying the genetic information stored in DNA into mRNA. This occurs in the nucleus of cells. Translation, on the other hand, is the process of using mRNA to assemble amino acids into a protein. This occurs in the cytoplasm of cells.

4. What is the role of amino acids in protein synthesis?

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are linked together in a specific sequence to form long chains, which then fold and interact with each other to create a functional protein. The sequence of amino acids determines the structure and function of the protein.

5. How do mutations affect protein synthesis?

Mutations are changes in the genetic code that can alter the sequence of amino acids in a protein. This can result in a non-functional or altered protein, which can have various effects on the organism. Some mutations may be harmful, while others may have no effect or even be beneficial.

Similar threads

Mid-Term Biology (Intro to) Practice
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
3K
Proteins' incorporation as a digestive enzyme in lysosome
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
7K
The Education of a Physicist (1965)
    • STEM Educators and Teaching
Replies
4
Views
2K
Admissions Applying to REUs as a community college student -- Advice?
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
7
Views
2K
Would like some advice on class schedule next semester (Chem vs CS)
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
5
Views
2K
Schools Choosing a potential major for college?
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
1
Views
1K
Engineering What Jobs are Available in Bioengineering?
    • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
1
Views
1K
Schools Need ideas/help on how I would be able to get into a higher education college.
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
4
Views
2K
Studying Help me understand physics with sensory processing issues
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
4
Views
1K
6 months after dropping out of college - my tips
    • STEM Career Guidance
2
Replies
37
Views
13K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top