Protein Synthesis

mRNA (messenger RNA)

The form of RNA which is created as a blueprint from DNA; carries instructions for making a protein

tRNA (transfer RNA)

type of RNA molecule that transfers amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis

RNA

A single-stranded nucleic acid that passes along genetic messages

Transcription

the organic process whereby the DNA sequence in a gene is copied into mRNA

Translation

Process by which mRNA is decoded and a protein is produced

Ribosome

cell part where translation occurs

Codon

three-nucleotide sequence on messenger RNA that codes for a single amino acid

amino acids

monomers of proteins

EPA Sites on Ribosome

Exit

Protein peptide

Amino acid bonding space

Anticodon

group of three bases on a tRNA molecule that are complementary to an mRNA codon

Intron

a segment of a DNA or RNA molecule that does not code for proteins and interrupts the sequence of genes.

Exon

a segment of a DNA or RNA molecule containing information coding for a protein or peptide sequence.

5' cap

The 5' end of a pre-mRNA molecule modified by the addition of a cap of guanine nucleotide.

3' poly-A tail

series of adenine residues that protects RNA from degradation

Promoter

A specific nucleotide sequence in DNA that binds RNA polymerase and indicates where to start transcribing RNA.

repressor

A protein that binds to an operator and physically blocks RNA polymerase from binding to a promoter site

RNA polymerase

enzyme that links together the growing chain of RNA nucleotides during transcription using a DNA strand as a template

DNA

nucleic acid stored in the nucleus

RNA polymerase

enzyme that links together the growing chain of RNA nucleotides during transcription using a DNA strand as a template

uracil

a pyrimidine nitrogen-containing base found in RNA (but not in DNA)

protein folding

The physical process by which a polypeptide folds into its characteristic three-dimensional structure, which is essential to the protein's function.

ribose sugar

sugar used in RNA to make up the "backbone", has one more O than deoxyribose

R group (side chain)

part of amino acid that determines the molecule's physical and chemical properties

nucleus

site of transcription