From DNA to protein

This 3D animation shows you how the DNA code is transcribed into messenger RNA and then translated into a protein.

Starting in the nucleus, we see how the DNA code is converted to messenger RNA by the process of transcription. We then follow the messenger RNA into the cytoplasm where it is bound by protein factories, called ribosomes. The ribosomes read the messenger RNA to produce a chain of amino acids. Each amino acid is delivered to the ribosome by a transfer RNA molecule depending on the code in the messenger RNA. These amino acids are added in sequence to form a chain of amino acids. After the last amino acid is added to the chain, it folds up to form the final protein.