How do genes make proteins

Learn more. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. How do genes direct the production of proteins?

From Genetics Home Reference. Topics in the How Genes Work chapter What are proteins and what do they do? This region contains information which regulates when and how often the gene is transcribed and ultimately the amount of protein it produces. A large molecule composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order. Proteins are necessary for the structure, function, and regulation of an organism's cells, tissues, and organs. Each protein has a unique function determined by its shape.

Large molecules composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order. Proteins are necessary for the structure, function, and regulation of the organism's cells, tissues, and organs. Remember that amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.

National Library of Medicine is in the Public Domain. Skip to content 16 How do genes direct the production of proteins? Most genes contain the information needed to make functional molecules called proteins.

A few genes produce regulatory molecules that help the cell assemble proteins. The journey from gene to protein is complex and tightly controlled within each cell. It consists of two major steps: transcription and translation. Together, transcription and translation are known as gene expression.

During the process of transcription, the information stored in a gene's DNA is passed to a similar molecule called RNA ribonucleic acid in the cell nucleus.