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Quiz yourself on Protein Synthesis — Transcription and TranslationGet your flashcardsBuild my revision planTrack my progress🎯 Exam Focus: OCR A Biology A (J247) — Higher Tier Only
Critical notice: This topic does NOT appear in AQA (8461), Edexcel (1BI0), WJEC, or OCR B (J258). It is unique to OCR A Biology A (J247) and is examined at Higher tier only. Foundation tier candidates are not assessed on protein synthesis.
Past paper track record (2022–2024 Higher)
This is the single most consistent extended-writing topic in the OCR A Higher paper. Expect at least one 6-9 mark question on protein synthesis in your exam.
Question types and mark allocations
| Question type | Marks | Typical focus |
|---|---|---|
| Short answer | 1-2 | "State the location of transcription", "What is a codon?" |
| Describe/Explain | 3-5 | "Describe how a substitution mutation affects the protein", "Explain why a deletion is more harmful than a substitution" |
| Level of Response (LoR) | 6-9 | "Describe the process of protein synthesis" — requires a continuous, well-linked account from DNA to functional protein |
How to structure a Level of Response answer on protein synthesis
The LoR mark scheme rewards sequence, accuracy, and linkage. A Level 3 (full marks) answer must move logically through all stages:
- Start with the gene: A gene is a section of DNA that codes for a polypeptide.
- Transcription: RNA polymerase unwinds the DNA double helix in the nucleus and reads the template strand in the 3'→5' direction; free RNA nucleotides pair with complementary bases (A→U, T→A, G→C, C→G) and are joined to form mRNA.
- mRNA leaves the nucleus: The mRNA molecule passes through nuclear pores into the cytoplasm and attaches to a ribosome.
- Translation begins: The ribosome reads the mRNA in triplets (codons); each codon codes for one amino acid.
- tRNA role: tRNA molecules with complementary anticodons bring specific amino acids to the ribosome; hydrogen bonds hold the anticodon to the codon.
- Polypeptide assembly: The ribosome forms peptide bonds between successive amino acids; the tRNA detaches and is reused; the ribosome moves along the mRNA to the next codon.
- Termination: A stop codon (UAA, UAG, or UGA) ends translation; the polypeptide is released and folds into its specific three-dimensional shape.
A Level 1 answer names some stages in isolation. A Level 2 answer sequences most stages correctly. A Level 3 answer makes explicit connections between each stage — e.g. linking the mRNA codon to the tRNA anticodon to the specific amino acid delivered.
Mark scheme indicators (what gets marks)
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