Protein synthesis is very important. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and are important in essential processes such as the synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters. Around 500 amino acids have been identified in nature, but we only need 20 to build the proteins we need in our body.
Have you ever wondered how the muscles of hibernating animals don’t waste away while they are sleeping? Scientists have found that the muscles of grizzly bears do not suffer despite their inactivity for months. This is due to non-essential amino acids which allow muscles to grow even when they are inactive!
However, there can be negative effects with some amino acids. Cheese is high in an amino acid called tyramine, which is linked to migraines. If you love cheese and suffer from migraines – go for mozzarella, which is lower in tyramine than other cheeses!
GCSE (Edexcel) scientists – you need to be able to explain the synthesis of protein. For help, try our new guide “How to work with Protein Synthesis”. It includes a description of transcription and translation. As always there are questions to try, and answers to check your understanding.
Click on the picture below to see the guide.
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