Protein Synthesis and Genetic Engineering

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to protein synthesis and genetic engineering, aiding in the understanding and memorization of essential concepts.

Transcription

The process in which DNA is copied into mRNA by RNA polymerase.

Translation

The process in which mRNA is decoded to build a polypeptide chain of amino acids, assisted by ribosomes and tRNA.

Codon

A sequence of three bases on mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Gene

A section of DNA that contains the instructions for making a protein.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence, which can occur through insertion, deletion, or substitution.

mRNA

Messenger RNA, which transmits genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

Ribosome

A cellular structure that synthesizes proteins by linking amino acids together following the instructions coded in mRNA.

Alleles

Different versions of a gene that may produce distinguishable traits in an organism.

Peptide bond

A covalent bond that links amino acids together in a protein.

DNA Strands

Molecules that carry genetic information, usually double-stranded, composed of nucleotides.

Environmental factors

External influences that can affect gene expression and the functioning of an organism.

Chromosomes

Structures within cells that contain DNA and genetic information, humans have 46 chromosomes.

Bacterial DNA

Genetic material of bacteria that can be manipulated for purposes such as genetic engineering.

Human insulin gene

A gene from humans that can be inserted into bacterial DNA for the production of insulin.

Amino acids

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins.

Deoxyribose

The sugar component of DNA, which distinguishes it from RNA's ribose.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance within a cell where translation of mRNA into proteins occurs.

Environmental conditions

Factors such as temperature and light that can influence gene expression in organisms.