Answer the following questions about the accompanying diagram.

What process(es) are illustrated in the diagram? 

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the components in the diagram: A represents DNA, B is RNA polymerase, C is mRNA, D is a ribosome, E is the start codon, F is a polypeptide chain, and G is tRNA.
2. Recognize the processes: The diagram illustrates transcription and translation.
3. Transcription: RNA polymerase (B) moves along the DNA (A) to synthesize mRNA (C).
4. Translation: Ribosomes (D) bind to mRNA (C) and use tRNA (G) to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain (F).
5. Note the direction of processes: Transcription occurs in the 5' to 3' direction, and translation begins at the start codon (E) on the mRNA.

Key Concepts

Translation

Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using messenger RNA (mRNA) as a template. During translation, the ribosome reads the sequence of codons in the mRNA, and transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring the corresponding amino acids to form a polypeptide chain. This process is essential for gene expression and the production of proteins that perform various functions in the cell.

mRNA

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. It is transcribed from the DNA template during the process of transcription and contains codons that specify the sequence of amino acids in a protein. The structure of mRNA includes a 5' cap and a poly-A tail, which help stabilize the molecule and facilitate its translation.

Ribosome

Ribosomes are complex molecular machines found within all living cells that facilitate the translation of mRNA into proteins. They consist of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins, forming two subunits that come together during protein synthesis. Ribosomes have binding sites for mRNA and tRNA, allowing them to decode the mRNA sequence and link amino acids in the correct order to form a polypeptide chain.