Organelles & the Production of Proteins (OCR A Level Biology)

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Organelles & the production of proteins

  • Inside cells multiple organelles are involved in the production and secretion of proteins
  • Organelles involved in protein production, and their roles, include:
    • nucleus
      • DNA is stored
      • The nucleolus manufactures ribosomes
      • Transcription occurs, during which an mRNA copy of DNA is produced
    • ribosomes
      • mRNA leaves the nucleus and attaches to a ribosome
      • Translation occurs, during which a chain of amino acids is produced; this chain is known as a polypeptide
    • rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)
      • Many ribosomes are attached to the surface of this organelle
      • After translation the polypeptides are folded and processed to produce proteins
    • Golgi apparatus
      • Proteins are modified and prepared for secretion
    • vesicles
      • Proteins are transported from the RER to the Golgi apparatus, and from the Golgi apparatus to the cell surface membrane inside vesicles
      • Vesicles fuse with the cell surface membrane to secrete proteins, e.g. hormones, from the cell by exocytosis
  • Cells that produce many proteins, e.g. within hormone-producing glands, or in the enzyme-producing cells of the digestive system, will have many of the organelles that are involved with protein production

Organelles in protein production diagram

Organelles protein production (1), downloadable AS & A Level Biology revision notesOrganelles protein production (2), downloadable AS & A Level Biology revision notes

Multiple cellular structures are involved in the production and secretion of proteins

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Alistair

Author: Alistair

Expertise: Biology & Environmental Systems and Societies

Alistair graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences. He has taught GCSE/IGCSE Biology, as well as Biology and Environmental Systems & Societies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. While teaching in Oxford, Alistair completed his MA Education as Head of Department for Environmental Systems & Societies. Alistair has continued to pursue his interests in ecology and environmental science, recently gaining an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation with Edinburgh Napier University.