Lecture_20_Transcription-1

Central Dogma

The process by which DNA is transcribed into RNA and then translated into protein.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a template.

RNA polymerase

The enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA by reading the DNA template.

Promoter

A DNA sequence that initiates transcription by serving as a binding site for RNA polymerase.

mRNA

Messenger RNA; the type of RNA that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA; a type of RNA that makes up the major part of ribosomes.

tRNA

Transfer RNA; an adaptor molecule that matches amino acids to the codons in mRNA.

Gene expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, often a protein.

Elongation

The stage of transcription where RNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing RNA molecule.

Termination

The end of transcription, where RNA polymerase dissociates from the DNA template.

Codon

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

Nucleotide

The basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Monomer

A single subunit that can join together with others to form a polymer.

Fidelity/Accuracy

The degree to which the process of replication or transcription produces an exact copy of the template.

Antiparallel

Referring to the orientation of two strands of DNA or RNA that run in opposite directions.

Primer

A short strand of RNA or DNA that serves as a starting point for DNA synthesis.

Polarity

The orientation of a molecule, important in determining gene expression and transcription processes.

Base pairing rules

The specific pairing of nitrogenous bases in nucleic acids (A pairs with T/U, C pairs with G).