(a)(i) Name the process for the synthesis of a polypeptide chain from a messenger–RNA base sequence - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 32 - 2014 - Paper 1

To form a functional enzyme from polypeptide chains, the steps involved are:

1. Transcription: The gene coding for the enzyme is transcribed from DNA to mRNA.

2. Translation: The mRNA is translated at the ribosome where transfer RNA (tRNA) brings specific amino acids.

3. Polypeptide Chain Formation: Amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds, forming a polypeptide chain.

4. Folding: The polypeptide chain folds into a specific three-dimensional shape, which is crucial for its function as an enzyme.

5. Post-Translational Modifications: The enzyme may undergo changes such as phosphorylation or glycosylation, enhancing its activity or stability.

Below is a flow chart for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process:

Start
  ↓
Heat to 95°C (Denaturation)
  ↓
Single-stranded DNA
  ↓
Cool to Add Primers (Annealing)
  ↓
Add Nucleotides + DNA Polymerase
  ↓
Double-stranded DNA Molecules
  ↓
Repeat for 25-35 cycles

A traditional biotechnology and a biotransformational biotechnology can be compared as follows:

• Similarity: Both types of biotechnology utilize living organisms in processes to produce goods or services, leveraging biological systems for human benefit.

• Difference: Traditional biotechnology primarily involves the use of naturally occurring processes, such as fermentation, whereas biotransformational biotechnology often involves manipulating or transforming biological materials at a molecular level to achieve new functions or products.