Proteins are made through two main steps: transcription and translation.

1. Transcription:

   • This step happens in the nucleus, which is the center of a cell.
   • DNA acts like a guide to help create messenger RNA (mRNA).
   • Each mRNA molecule is made up of about 1,500 to 5,000 smaller pieces called nucleotides.

2. Translation:

   • This step takes place in the cytoplasm, where ribosomes are located.
   • The ribosomes read the mRNA in small groups of three nucleotides, called codons.
   • Each codon stands for a specific building block called an amino acid.
   • There are 20 different amino acids that our bodies use to make proteins.

Putting Proteins Together:

• Ribosomes help link amino acids together to form chains called polypeptides.
• They can connect about 2 to 20 amino acids every second.
• Once proteins are made, they might need some changes to work properly, which is called post-translational modification.