3. A T
And this is the cell’s DNA…
G C
G C
T A
A T
4. A T
G C
G C
T A
A T
And this is the DNA inside
the nucleus.
5. A T
G C
G C
T A
A T
Our DNA contains the instructions our
cells need to do many different things.
For example, the instructions our cells
need to make new proteins.
6. When it is time to make
proteins…there’s one small
A T
problem however…our DNA is
G C unable to leave the nucleus of
G C our cell.
T A
A T
So how do the instructions get out of the nucleus so
our cells can make new proteins???
7. A T
G C
G C
T A The answer is RNA!!!
A T
When the nucleus needs to get instructions out to
the cell, it sends the MESSAGE to the “messenger
RNA” – also called the mRNA.
8. A T
G C
G C
T A
A T
Messenger RNA, or mRNA, is allowed to leave the
nucleus. Here’s how it works…
9. A T A T
G C G C
G C G C
T A T A
A T A T
Original DNA Unzipped DNA
First, the DNA “unzips” so that the mRNA can
make a copy of the instructions.
10. A U
G C
G C
T A
A U
Original DNA mRNA copy
Second, the mRNA makes a copy of the DNA’s
instructions.
11. A U Uracil
G C
G C
T A
A U Uracil
Original DNA mRNA copy
Please note…mRNA does not use Thymine to pair
with Adenine. mRNA uses Uracil instead.
12. A T U
G C C
G C C
T A A
A T U
Original DNA mRNA copy
Now that the mRNA has successfully made a copy of
the DNA’s instructions, it is ready to leave the nucleus
– remember mRNA has permission as the
“messenger” to leave while the DNA does not.
