Here's how it works:
* DNA contains the instructions for building proteins. This information is transcribed into a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule.
* mRNA travels to the ribosomes. Ribosomes are like protein factories. They read the instructions on the mRNA molecule and use them to assemble amino acids into a specific protein chain.
* Transfer RNA (tRNA) brings the correct amino acids to the ribosome. Each tRNA molecule carries a specific amino acid and matches it to the appropriate codon on the mRNA molecule.
* The ribosome links the amino acids together. This process is called translation.
* Once the protein chain is complete, it folds into a specific three-dimensional shape. This shape determines the protein's function.
So, while the instructions for building a protein are stored in DNA, the ribosome is the actual site of protein synthesis.
