Biology for a Changing World - Chapter 8: Genes to Proteins

Flashcards from Biology Lecture Notes

Protein

A macromolecule made of repeating amino acid subunits with functions such as muscle contraction, facilitating chemical reactions (enzymes), and fighting infection (antibodies).

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins; 20 different types are encoded by the human genome, each with a unique chemical side group but the same basic core structure.

Amino Acid Sequence

The linear chain formed when amino acids bond together, characterized by repeated amino acid sequences (e.g., Poly-Alanine, Glycine-rich).

Protein Folding

The folding of an amino acid chain into a 3-D protein, influenced by the sequence of amino acids and their chemical properties which determines its function. High temperature or low pH can change the shape of the protein.

Gene

A sequence of DNA that contains the instructions to make one or more proteins.

Gene Expression

The synthesis of a protein from a gene.

Regulatory Sequence

Part of a gene that acts as an “on-off switch,” controlling the timing, location, and amount of gene expression.

Coding Sequence

Part of a gene that controls the amino acid sequence of the protein.

Gene Expression

The process of converting information from the coding sequence of a gene into protein, involving transcription and translation.

Transcription

Converting DNA to RNA; occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.

Translation

Converting RNA to protein, which occurs on ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

Transcription

Molecules of messenger RNA (mRNA) are synthesized from the instructions encoded in genes.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Carries an amino acid to the mRNA and ribosome by using its anticodon to find a matching mRNA codon.

Universal Genetic Code

Set of rules relating particular mRNA codons to particular amino acids

Genetic Engineering

Manipulating the genome of a living organism

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Organisms that have received recombinant genes.

Recombinant gene

A gene that contains parts of different genes that aren’t found together in nature.