Protein Synthesis and the Genetic Code

Flashcards covering key concepts related to protein synthesis, the genetic code, and the translation process.

Amino acid

Repeating unit of proteins consisting of an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group.

Peptide bond

Chemical bond that connects amino acids in a protein.

Polypeptide

Chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds; also called a protein.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid or stop signal.

tRNA (transfer RNA)

A type of RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

Wobble position

Allows more than one codon to pair with the same anticodon.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase

Enzyme that attaches an amino acid to a tRNA.

Translation

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

Initiation

The stage in translation where the ribosome assembles around the start codon.

Termination

The stage in translation where the process stops at a stop codon, releasing the newly synthesized polypeptide.

Genetic code

Set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material is translated into proteins.

Non-overlapping genetic code

Each nucleotide is part of one codon and encodes only one amino acid.

Anticodon

The three base pairs on the tRNA that align with the codons of the mRNA.

Kozak sequence

Sequence surrounding the start codon in mRNA that aids in the initiation of translation.

Post-translational modification

Chemical modifications that occur to proteins after translation, affecting their function.

Stop codon

A nucleotide triplet within mRNA that signals the termination of translation.