Translation and Protein Synthesis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to translation and protein synthesis.

Translation

The act of turning mRNA into protein.

Cytosol

The fluid component of the cytoplasm where translation occurs.

mRNA

Messenger RNA, a template for protein synthesis.

Ribosome

A multi-component complex composed of rRNA and proteins that translates mRNA into protein.

tRNA

Transfer RNA that transports amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

Anticodon

Three bases on a tRNA molecule that pair with a corresponding codon on mRNA.

Protein sorting

The process of directing proteins to their correct cellular destination after translation.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

A membrane-bound organelle involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Post-translational modification

Chemical modifications made to a protein after translation, affecting its function.

Glycosylation

The addition of carbohydrates to proteins, often occurring in the Golgi complex.

Lysosome

An organelle that contains digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.

CopII

A coat protein involved in vesicle transport from the ER to the Golgi complex.

Clathrin

A protein that coats vesicles transporting materials to endosomes or the plasma membrane.

Signal peptide

A sequence of amino acids that directs the transport of a protein to its specific location.

Polypeptide chain

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, which folds into a functional protein.

Introns

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

Exons

Coding segments of RNA that are spliced together to form the final mRNA.

Cotranslational import

The process by which a growing polypeptide is imported into the endoplasmic reticulum during translation.

Retrograde transport

Transporting materials from the Golgi complex back to the ER.

N-terminal signal peptides

Sequences that direct nascent proteins to the ER during translation.