Biology questions 3

9. Explain the process of protein synthesis, including transcription and translation.

How do these processes contribute to the synthesis of proteins in cells? (15 marks)
10. Discuss the structure and function of the plasma membrane. How does the structure
of the plasma membrane contribute to its selective permeability? Provide examples
of molecules that can pass through the membrane and those that cannot. (12 marks)

Answers:
9. Protein Synthesis:
 Transcription: Transcription is the first step in protein synthesis and occurs in the
nucleus of eukaryotic cells. During transcription, the DNA sequence of a gene is
transcribed into a complementary RNA molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA)
by the enzyme RNA polymerase. The mRNA carries the genetic information from
the DNA to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
 Translation: Translation is the second step in protein synthesis and occurs in the
cytoplasm at the ribosomes. During translation, the genetic information encoded
in the mRNA is translated into a specific sequence of amino acids, forming a
polypeptide chain. This process involves the binding of transfer RNA (tRNA)
molecules to specific codons on the mRNA, each tRNA carrying an amino acid
that corresponds to the codon. The amino acids are then joined together by
peptide bonds to form the polypeptide chain, which folds into its functional three-
dimensional structure to become a protein.
 Contribution to Protein Synthesis: Transcription and translation work together
to convert the genetic information stored in the DNA into functional proteins.
Transcription produces mRNA molecules that carry the genetic code from the
DNA to the ribosomes, where translation occurs. Translation then decodes the
mRNA sequence to synthesize a specific sequence of amino acids, ultimately
leading to the synthesis of proteins.
10. Plasma Membrane Structure and Function:
 Structure: The plasma membrane, also known as the cell membrane, is a selectively
permeable phospholipid bilayer that surrounds the cell and separates its internal
environment from the external environment. The plasma membrane is composed of
phospholipids, proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates. Phospholipids form the basic
structure of the membrane, with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails
 facing inward, creating a barrier that controls the movement of substances into and out of
the cell.
 Function: The plasma membrane plays a crucial role in maintaining cell homeostasis by
regulating the passage of molecules and ions into and out of the cell. It is selectively
permeable, allowing certain substances to pass through while restricting the passage of
others. This selective permeability is facilitated by various proteins embedded in the
membrane, including transport proteins, receptor proteins, and cell recognition proteins.
 Selective Permeability: The structure of the plasma membrane contributes to its
selective permeability. Small, nonpolar molecules such as oxygen and carbon dioxide can
pass through the lipid bilayer via simple diffusion. Larger molecules and polar molecules,
such as glucose and ions, require transport proteins to facilitate their movement across the
membrane. Examples of molecules that can pass through the plasma membrane include
oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water, while examples of molecules that cannot pass through
without assistance include glucose and ions.