Transcription and Translation Processes in Molecular Biology

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and concepts related to DNA transcription and translation processes.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA, specifically messenger RNA (mRNA).

RNA polymerase

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

Initiation

The first stage of transcription where RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region of a gene.

Promoter

A specific DNA sequence that provides a binding site for RNA polymerase to initiate transcription.

Elongation

The second stage of transcription where RNA polymerase extends the newly formed RNA strand.

Termination

The final stage of transcription where RNA polymerase releases the newly synthesized RNA transcript.

Exons

Regions of RNA that code for proteins and remain in the final mRNA after splicing.

Introns

Non-coding regions of RNA that are removed during the splicing process.

Splicing

The process of removing introns from the RNA transcript and joining exons together.

Splicing zone

A complex made up of proteins and RNA that facilitates the splicing of pre-mRNA.

Poly-A tail

A string of adenine nucleotides added to the 3' end of mRNA to enhance its stability.

5' cap

A modified guanine nucleotide added to the 5' end of mRNA for protection and stability.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.

Anticodon

A sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that is complementary to a specific codon in mRNA.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

A type of RNA that brings amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines composed of ribosomal RNA and proteins that facilitate translation.

Translation

The process of synthesizing a protein from an mRNA template.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids that folds into a functional protein.

A site

The site in a ribosome where the incoming tRNA binds to the mRNA codon.

P site

The site in a ribosome where the tRNA holds the growing polypeptide chain.

E site

The exit site in a ribosome where used tRNA molecules leave the ribosome.

Initiation factors

Proteins that assist the binding of ribosomes to mRNA during initiation of translation.

Peptidyl transferase

The enzymatic activity of the ribosome that forms peptide bonds between amino acids.

Stop codon

A codon that signals for termination of translation, resulting in the release of the polypeptide.

Alternative splicing

A process that allows a single gene to produce multiple proteins by varying the combinations of exons.

Differential gene expression

The process by which cells regulate the expression of genes differently in response to stimuli.

Transcription factors

Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to regulate the transcription of genes.

Enhancer

A DNA sequence that promotes transcription when bound by transcription factors.

Repressor

A protein that binds to DNA and inhibits gene expression.

Gene expression

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

Nucleotides

The building blocks of DNA and RNA, consisting of a five-carbon sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Gene

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

Genome

The complete set of genetic material in an organism.

RNA interference (iRNA)

A biological process where small RNA molecules inhibit gene expression by targeting mRNA.

Polypeptide tail

A post-translational modification that stabilizes the polypeptide chain.

Mature mRNA

An mRNA molecule that has been spliced and modified, ready for translation.

Homeotic genes

Genes that control the developmental patterns of various organisms.

Post-translational modifications

Chemical changes to a polypeptide chain that affect the final protein's functionality.

Amino acids

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins.

Transcription unit

A DNA sequence that is transcribed into RNA.

Mediator complex

A multi-protein complex that acts as a bridge between transcription factors and RNA polymerase.

RNA processing

The modification of RNA after transcription, including capping, polyadenylation, and splicing.

Protein folding

The process by which a protein assumes its functional three-dimensional structure.

Peptide bond

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

Signal sequence

A short peptide at the beginning of a protein that directs the protein to its correct location.

Gene therapy

A technique that modifies a person's genes to treat or cure disease.

Codon redundancy

The phenomenon where multiple codons can specify the same amino acid.

Ribosomal subunits

The two parts of a ribosome (large and small) that come together during translation.

Pre-mRNA

The initial RNA transcript that undergoes processing to become mature mRNA.

Nuclear envelope

The double membrane that surrounds the nucleus in eukaryotic cells.

Ribonucleoprotein

A complex of RNA and protein that is involved in a variety of cellular processes.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins that forms chromosomes within the nucleus.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism, influenced by its genotype.

Nucleosome

A structural unit of chromatin, consisting of DNA wrapped around histone proteins.

Genome sequencing

Determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome.

Mutagenesis

The process by which genetic information of an organism is changed, leading to mutations.

Regulatory sequences

DNA sequences that control the expression of genes.

Genetic code

The set of rules that determine how nucleotide sequences are translated into amino acids.

Ribosomes RNA (rRNA)

RNA molecules that form the core of a ribosome's structure and function.

Chromosomal translocation

A genetic abnormality caused by rearrangement of parts between nonhomologous chromosomes.

Antisense RNA

A strand of RNA that is complementary to a coding RNA strand and can regulate gene expression.

MicroRNA

Small non-coding RNA molecules that play a role in regulating gene expression.

Translation initiation complex

The combination of ribosomal subunits, mRNA, and tRNA that initiates translation.

Aminoacyl-tRNA

tRNA molecules charged with their corresponding amino acids.

Bioinformatics

The application of computational tools to analyze biological data, especially in genomics.

Proteomics

The large-scale study of proteins, particularly their functions and structures.

Genomic library

A collection of DNA sequences that represent the entire genome of an organism.

DNA sequencing

The method used to determine the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule.

Restriction enzymes

Proteins that cut DNA at specific sequences, used in cloning and DNA manipulation.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify small segments of DNA for analysis.

Cloning vectors

DNA molecules used to transport foreign genetic material into a host cell.

Southern blotting

A method used to detect specific DNA sequences in DNA samples.

Northern blotting

A technique used to study gene expression by detecting RNA in a sample.

Western blotting

A method used to detect specific proteins in a sample.

Gene editing

The process of making targeted changes to the DNA sequence of a gene.

CRISPR-Cas9

A revolutionary gene-editing technology that enables precise modifications to DNA.