d1.2

These flashcards cover key concepts related to protein synthesis, including transcription, translation, and mutations.

What is Transcription in protein synthesis?

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template, producing mRNA which carries the genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.

What is the role of RNA polymerase in transcription?

RNA polymerase is an enzyme that facilitates the bonding of RNA nucleotides to form the sugar-phosphate backbone of the mRNA molecule.

Where does transcription occur in a eukaryotic cell?

Transcription occurs in the nucleus of the cell.

What does mRNA stand for and what is its function?

mRNA stands for messenger RNA, and it transfers genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes for protein synthesis.

What is translation in protein synthesis?

Translation is the process of converting the sequence of mRNA into a chain of amino acids, forming a polypeptide.

What are codons?

Codons are sequences of three nucleotides on mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids.

What is the relationship between codons and anticodons?

Codons are found on mRNA, while anticodons are found on tRNA and are complementary to codons, allowing tRNA to bring the correct amino acids to the ribosome.

What is a polypeptide?

A polypeptide is a chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.

What is a point mutation?

A point mutation is a change in a single nucleotide base in the DNA sequence, which can result in the alteration of an amino acid in a protein.

How does transcription contribute to gene expression?

Transcription initiates gene expression by producing mRNA from DNA, which can then be translated into proteins as needed by the cell.

What is meant by the term 'degenerate' in relation to the genetic code?

The term 'degenerate' refers to the property of the genetic code where multiple codons can code for the same amino acid.

What happens during post-transcriptional modification of mRNA?

Post-transcriptional modification includes the addition of a methylated cap and a poly-A tail, and the removal of introns to form mature mRNA.