Types of RNA and Protein Synthesis

These flashcards cover the key concepts of RNA types and their functions in protein synthesis.

What are the three types of RNA discussed in the lecture?

Messenger RNA (mRNA), Ribosomal RNA (rRNA), Transfer RNA (tRNA).

What does RNA stand for?

Ribonucleic acid.

What is the primary role of messenger RNA (mRNA)?

To deliver the genetic message from DNA to the ribosome.

How is messenger RNA different from DNA in terms of its nitrogenous bases?

mRNA contains uracil instead of thymine.

What is the structure of messenger RNA?

It is a single strand of base pairs.

Where is messenger RNA synthesized?

In the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

What does ribosomal RNA (rRNA) help to do?

It makes up the ribosome and assists in reading mRNA.

How does the ribosome use the information from mRNA?

By reading the mRNA in sets of three letters, each coding for an amino acid.

What is transfer RNA (tRNA) responsible for?

Transporting the correct amino acid to the ribosome that corresponds to the mRNA codon.

What do we call the sequence of amino acids that are linked together during protein synthesis?

A polypeptide chain.

How is mRNA created from DNA?

Through a process called transcription.

What happens to mRNA after it is synthesized?

It leaves the nucleus and binds to a ribosome.

What is the initial code on the mRNA strand that corresponds to a tRNA molecule?

The tRNA molecule is complementary to the mRNA codon.

What is the function of the ribosome in protein synthesis?

The ribosome reads the mRNA and helps link amino acids together.

Why is accurate transcription of DNA to RNA important?

Incorrect transcription can lead to proteins that do not function properly.

What role do molecules play in the process of protein synthesis?

They carry out the process without requiring energy or direct instruction.

What happens if there is a mistake during transcription?

Most mistakes are caught and corrected before they lead to issues.

What does the blueprint of life refer to in the context of this lecture?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) with instructions from DNA.

What happens to the polypeptide chain once it is synthesized?

It may need to be modified or reshaped before it can function.

What does the term 'codon' refer to?

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

What characterizes eukaryotic cells regarding transcription?

Transcription occurs in the nucleus where DNA is housed.

In what way is the process of protein synthesis described?

A complex process involving multiple RNA types working together.

Why is the ribosomal RNA considered less flashy in its role?

Because it primarily makes up the ribosome and facilitates the reading of mRNA rather than delivering messages.

What is the relationship between amino acids and proteins?

Proteins are made up of chains of amino acids linked together in specific sequences.

What does tRNA match with mRNA during protein synthesis?

The complementary codon to bring in the corresponding amino acid.

Why is uracil an important differentiator for RNA?

Its presence indicates a nucleic acid is RNA rather than DNA.