Protein Synthesis

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts associated with protein synthesis as outlined in the lecture notes.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The framework describing the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

Gene

A segment of DNA that codes for a polypeptide or protein.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA.

RNA polymerase

An enzyme that catalyzes the transcription of DNA to RNA.

Intron

Non-coding segments of RNA that are removed during RNA processing.

Exon

Coding segments of RNA that are expressed and kept during RNA processing.

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

The type of RNA that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

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

rRNA (Ribosomal RNA)

The type of RNA that makes up the ribosomal subunits and aids in protein synthesis.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Amino acid

Building blocks of proteins, determined by codon sequences.

Stop codon

A codon that signals the termination of protein synthesis.

Degenerate code

The genetic code is degenerate because multiple codons can encode the same amino acid.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can affect protein synthesis.

Sickle cell disease

A genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene.

RNA splicing

The process of removing introns and joining exons in pre-mRNA to form mature mRNA.

5' cap and poly-A tail

Nuclear modifications added to mRNA that protect it and assist in export from the nucleus.

Sigma factor

A protein needed for the initiation of transcription in prokaryotes.

RNA processing

Modifications made to pre-mRNA, including capping, polyadenylation, and splicing.