AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
Carrier molecules bring specific amino acids to add to the growing protein…
Full specification wording
DNA structure (biology only): Carrier molecules bring specific amino acids to add to the growing protein chain in the correct order.
In protein synthesis, carrier molecules play a vital role in ensuring the correct amino acids are assembled.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 12 of 19
- 2 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
In protein synthesis, carrier molecules play a vital role in ensuring the correct amino acids are assembled. Once a template of the DNA code is produced and moves to the ribosome, carrier molecules bring specific amino acids to add to the growing protein chain. Each carrier molecule is specific to one type of amino acid and recognises a specific sequence of three bases on the template. During translation at the ribosome, the carrier molecules align in the correct order dictated by the template. This ensures that the amino acids are joined together in the precise sequence required to fold into a functional protein. Once an amino acid is added to the chain, the carrier molecule is released and can be reused.
What earns the marks
- Carrier molecules bring specific amino acids to the ribosome.
- The carrier molecules add amino acids to the growing protein chain in the correct order.
- The order of amino acids is determined by the sequence of bases on the template.
- Each carrier molecule recognises a specific triplet of bases on the template.
- Once the amino acid is joined to the protein chain, the carrier molecule is released.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing the template with carrier molecules.
Put it right: The template carries the genetic code from the DNA, while carrier molecules bring the amino acids.
Thinking that one carrier molecule brings multiple different amino acids.
Put it right: Each carrier molecule is specific and only brings one type of amino acid.
Believing carrier molecules determine the protein sequence themselves.
Put it right: The sequence is determined by the template; carrier molecules simply follow this code.
Exam tips
- Use the term 'specific' when describing the relationship between the carrier molecule and the amino acid it brings.
- Remember to state that carrier molecules add amino acids in the 'correct order' as dictated by the template.
Try the lesson
The start of the DNA structure (biology only): Carrier molecules bring specific amino acids to add to the growing protein chain in the correct order. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
During protein synthesis, what is the specific role of carrier molecules?
Listen
In protein synthesis, carrier molecules play a vital role in ensuring the correct amino acids are assembled. Once a template of the DNA code is produced and moves to the ribosome, carrier molecules bring specific amino acids to add to the growing protein chain. Each carrier molecule is specific to one type of amino acid and recognises a specific sequence of three bases on the template. During translation at the ribosome, the carrier molecules align in the correct order dictated by the template. This ensures that the amino acids are joined together in the precise sequence required to fold into a functional protein. Once an amino acid is added to the chain, the carrier molecule is released and can be reused. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Carrier molecules bring specific amino acids to the ribosome. The carrier molecules add amino acids to the growing protein chain in the correct order. The order of amino acids is determined by the sequence of bases on the template. Each carrier molecule recognises a specific triplet of bases on the template. A common slip: Confusing the template with carrier molecules. Instead, The template carries the genetic code from the DNA, while carrier molecules bring the amino acids. Exam tip: Use the term 'specific' when describing the relationship between the carrier molecule and the amino acid it brings.
See it
Put it in order
Put these steps in the order they happen.
- 1. Each carrier molecule recognises a specific triplet of bases on the template
- 2. Carrier molecules bring specific amino acids
- 3. Template moves to the ribosome
- 4. Carrier molecule is released and can be reused
- 5. Amino acids are joined to the growing protein chain in the correct order
- 6. Carrier molecules align in the correct order dictated by the template
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Carrier molecules
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Amino acid sequence
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Carrier molecules
- Molecules that bring specific amino acids to add to the growing protein chain in the correct order, each being specific to one type of amino acid.
- Amino acid sequence
- The precise sequence in which amino acids are joined together, determined by the sequence of bases on the template, so the protein can fold into a functional protein.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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