Translation and Protein Synthesis

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to translation and protein synthesis based on the provided lecture notes.

Amino acid

The building block of polypeptides, each consisting of an amino group, carboxyl group, hydrogen, and a radical (R) group.

tRNA (transfer RNA)

An adaptor molecule that carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation, with a specific anticodon complementary to the corresponding codon on mRNA.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid or signals the start or stop of translation.

Start codon

The codon that signals the beginning of translation, commonly AUG, which codes for Methionine.

Stop codon

A codon that signals the termination of translation, examples include UGA, UAA, and UAG.

Peptide bond

A covalent bond formed between two amino acids during translation, linking them together in a polypeptide.

Ribosome

A molecular complex that facilitates the translation of mRNA into polypeptide chains, composed of ribosomal proteins and rRNA.

Initiation

The first stage of translation, involving assembly of ribosomal subunits on mRNA and initiation tRNA binding.

Elongation

The stage of translation in which amino acids are sequentially added to the growing polypeptide chain in the ribosome.

Termination

The final stage of translation where the completed polypeptide is released upon reaching a stop codon.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase

An enzyme that attaches the correct amino acid to its corresponding tRNA.

Western blotting

A technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample after electrophoresis, involving transfer to a membrane and probe binding.

Polyribosome

A complex of multiple ribosomes translating a single mRNA molecule simultaneously.

Degenerate code

Refers to the genetic code where most amino acids are encoded by more than one codon.

Anticodon

A three-nucleotide sequence on tRNA that is complementary to the mRNA codon.

Noncoding strand

The DNA strand that serves as the template for transcription, also known as the template strand.

mRNA (messenger RNA)

The RNA transcribed from DNA that carries the genetic information to the ribosome for translation.

Intron

A non-coding sequence of DNA that is removed during RNA processing before translation.

Exon

A coding sequence in DNA or RNA that is retained in the mature mRNA after splicing.

Cloning vector

A DNA molecule used to transport foreign genetic material into another cell.

Hydrophobic interaction

Non-polar molecular interactions that can affect protein folding and structure.

N-terminal

The end of a polypeptide chain that has a free amino group.

C-terminal

The end of a polypeptide chain that has a free carboxyl group.

Reading frame

The way nucleotides in mRNA are divided into codons during translation.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Transcription factors

Proteins that assist the transcription of specific genes by binding to nearby DNA.

RRNA (ribosomal RNA)

The RNA component of ribosomes, essential for protein synthesis.

Mutations

Changes in the nucleotide sequence of DNA that can affect protein structure and function.

Kozak sequence

A consensus sequence surrounding the start codon in eukaryotic mRNAs that facilitates translation initiation.

Shine-Dalgarno sequence

A ribosomal binding site in bacterial mRNA, complementary to a sequence in the 16S rRNA of the ribosome.

GTP (Guanosine Triphosphate)

A molecule that provides energy for protein synthesis and is involved in signal transduction.

Micro RNA (miRNA)

Small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally.

Gene expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, often a protein.

mRNA processing

The modifications made to pre-mRNA, including splicing, capping, and polyadenylation, before it is translated.

Isoaccepting tRNAs

Different tRNA molecules that carry the same amino acid but have different anticodons.

Wobble hypothesis

The concept that the third position of a codon can undergo nonstandard base pairing, allowing one tRNA to recognize multiple codons.

Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate nucleic acids or proteins based on their size and charge.

Southern blot

A method used to detect specific DNA sequences by transferring DNA from a gel onto a membrane.

Northern blot

A technique used to identify specific RNA sequences in a sample after gel electrophoresis.

Signal peptide

A short amino acid sequence associated with the direct transport of proteins in cells.

Proteomics

The large-scale study of proteins, particularly their functions and structures.

Chromatography

A technique for separating and analyzing compounds in a mixture.

Endoplasmic reticulum

An organelle where proteins are synthesized and processed in eukaryotic cells.

Golgi apparatus

An organelle responsible for the modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins for secretion.

Post-translational modification

Chemical modifications that occur to a polypeptide chain after translation, affecting its activity.

Cell signaling

The process by which cells communicate with each other to coordinate functions.

Intracellular signaling

The processes by which signals are transmitted within cells to elicit a response.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.

Cellular differentiation

The process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type.

Transgenic organism

An organism that has been genetically modified to contain a gene from another species.

Gene therapy

A technique that modifies a person's genes to treat or prevent disease.

Bioinformatics

The application of computer technology to the management of biological information.

Molecular cloning

The process of making copies of a specific DNA sequence.

Genetic engineering

The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology.

Carcinogen

A substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue.

Transcription regulation

The mechanisms that control the rate of transcription of genetic information.

Sample preparation

The process of preparing biological samples for analysis.

Covalent modification

The addition of chemical groups to a molecule, altering its function.

Conformation switching

The process by which a biological molecule changes shape, affecting its activity.

Chaperone proteins

Proteins that assist in the proper folding of other proteins.

Affinity chromatography

A method for separating biomolecules based on specific interactions.

Molecular docking

A method of predicting the preferred orientation of one molecule to another.

Structural biology

The study of the molecular structure of biological macromolecules.

Clinical trials

Research studies performed in people that are aimed at evaluating a medical, surgical, or behavioral intervention.

Biological assay

An experimental procedure for testing the effects of a substance on a living organism.

In vitro

Studies or processes performed outside a living organism, typically in a lab setting.

In vivo

Studies or processes conducted within a living organism.