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First teaching 2023

First exams 2025

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From Gene to Polypeptide (CIE AS Biology)

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From Gene to Polypeptide

  • A gene is a sequence of nucleotides that forms part of a DNA molecule (one DNA molecule contains many genes)
  • This sequence of nucleotide bases (the gene) codes for the production of a specific polypeptide (protein)
  • Protein molecules are made up of a series of amino acids bonded together
  • The shape and behaviour of a protein molecule depend on the exact sequence of these amino acids
    • The initial sequence of amino acids is known as the primary structure of the protein molecule
  • The genes in DNA molecules, therefore, control protein structure (and as a result, protein function) as they determine the exact sequence in which the amino acids join together when proteins are synthesised in a cell

from-gene-to-polypeptide-diagram

A gene is a sequence of nucleotides that codes for the production of a specific protein molecule (polypeptide)

Examiner Tip

One gene codes for one mRNA molecule, which codes for one polypeptide. This is known as the central dogma of molecular biology.

Remember – each chromosome in a human cell nucleus contains one very long DNA molecule. This DNA molecule is made up of thousands of specific nucleotide sequences called genes that code for specific proteins. Even though these genes are all found within the same DNA molecule and are therefore all linked up, each individual gene has a specific start and stop point. This ensures that the DNA is read correctly and that the correct protein molecules are produced that are required by the cell to function properly.

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Marlene

Author: Marlene

Expertise: Biology

Marlene graduated from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, in 2002 with a degree in Biodiversity and Ecology. After completing a PGCE (Postgraduate certificate in education) in 2003 she taught high school Biology for over 10 years at various schools across South Africa before returning to Stellenbosch University in 2014 to obtain an Honours degree in Biological Sciences. With over 16 years of teaching experience, of which the past 3 years were spent teaching IGCSE and A level Biology, Marlene is passionate about Biology and making it more approachable to her students.