DNA, Transcription, Protein, and Translation Part I Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering core genetic terms, transcription, translation, codons, reading frames, and types of DNA mutations.

Gene

The stretch of nucleic acids that encodes the information required to build a protein.

Genome

The entirety of nucleic acids in an organism.

Transcription

The process in the nucleus where DNA sequence information is transcribed into RNA copies.

Translation

The process where RNA copies exit the nucleus and are translated into protein by ribosomes.

Codon

A sequence of 3 nucleotides that provides information for one specific amino acid or stop signal.

Start Codon

The specific nucleotide sequence (AUG) that always begins a protein-coding sequence and establishes the reading frame.

Stop Codon

A nucleotide triplet (UAA, UAG, or UGA) that signals the termination of protein synthesis.

Reading Frame

The specific sequence of non-overlapping nucleotide triplets read from the start codon during translation.

Synonymous Substitution

A nucleotide substitution in a DNA sequence that does not change the resulting amino acid.

Non-synonymous Substitution

A nucleotide substitution in a DNA sequence that changes the encoded amino acid.

Nonsense Mutation

A nucleotide change in the DNA sequence that results in a premature stop codon.

Frameshift Mutation

An insertion or deletion of nucleotides in a number not divisible by 3, which disrupts the reading frame.

Non-frameshift Insertion

An insertion of nucleotides in a multiple of 3 into a DNA sequence, adding amino acids without altering the reading frame.

Deletion Mutation

A type of mutation where a portion of DNA is removed from a DNA sequence.

Duplication Mutation

A mutation where nucleotides are repeated within a DNA sequence.

Sickle-Cell Anemia

A genetic condition where glutamic acid is replaced by valine in hemoglobin, altering structure and causing proteins to aggregate into fibers.