DNA Study Guide: Protein Synthesis

A collection of vocabulary flashcards reviewing key terms, definitions, and components of protein synthesis.

Transcription

The process in protein synthesis where DNA is copied into mRNA.

Translation

The process in protein synthesis where mRNA is used to synthesize a protein.

Amino acids

The smaller units that make up proteins.

Codon

A section of DNA or RNA that consists of $3$ nucleotides that form a code.

mRNA

Messenger RNA transcribed from the DNA template strand that carries codons to direct the synthesis of a protein.

tRNA

Transfer RNA involved in translation that pairs with mRNA codons to position amino acids.

Ribosome

The cellular structure labeled in the translation diagram where protein synthesis occurs.

Polypeptide

The growing chain of amino acids assembled during translation as labeled in the protein synthesis diagram.