transcription

Central Dogma

The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

Transcription (Txn)

The process of making an RNA copy of a DNA gene.

Translation (Tsn)

The process of decoding mRNA into a polypeptide.

Differential gene expression

A process where a cell expresses only the necessary genes required for its specialized function.

Gene definition (modern)

A DNA sequence with its regulatory regions that contains information to produce a functional polypeptide or RNA.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids that makes up proteins.

Ribose

The sugar in RNA nucleotides.

Deoxyribose

The sugar in DNA nucleotides.

mRNA

Messenger RNA, contains the code for building proteins.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA, forms part of ribosomes.

tRNA

Transfer RNA, helps decode the mRNA during protein synthesis.

RNA world hypothesis

The theory suggesting that RNA was the first information storage molecule in evolution.

Stability of RNA vs DNA

RNA is generally less stable than DNA.

RNA polymerase (RNAP)

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA by reading DNA.

Template strand

The DNA strand that is read by RNA polymerase to synthesize RNA.

Non-template (coding) strand

The DNA strand not used for transcription, identical to the mRNA transcript except for uracil.

Initiation

The first stage of transcription where RNAP begins the process.

Promoter

A DNA sequence that signals where transcription should start.

Elongation

The stage in transcription where nucleotides are added to form RNA.

Termination

The final stage of transcription that signals the end of RNA synthesis.

Splicing

The process of removing introns and joining exons in mRNA processing.

Exons

Coding sequences of DNA that are preserved in the mature mRNA.

Introns

Non-coding sequences of DNA that are removed during mRNA processing.

Spliceosome

A complex of small RNAs and proteins that carries out splicing.

mRNA processing

The modification of pre-mRNA into mature mRNA before it exits the nucleus.

5' cap

A modified guanine nucleotide added to the 5' end of an mRNA for stability.

Poly-A tail

A sequence of adenine nucleotides added to the 3' end of an mRNA for increased stability.

Alternative splicing

A process allowing a single gene to produce multiple types of mRNA by including/excluding certain exons.

RNA as a machine

RNA acts as a functional molecule that facilitates various processes like protein synthesis.

Catalytic RNAs (Ribozymes)

RNA molecules that can catalyze biochemical reactions.

Primary transcript

The initial RNA transcript before processing.

Mature mRNA

The processed RNA that exits the nucleus for translation.

Transcription factors

Proteins that help initiate transcription by guiding RNA polymerase.

Cytosol

The liquid found inside cells where translation occurs.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures where protein synthesis takes place.

Small RNAs

Various kinds of RNA molecules involved in gene expression regulation and processing.

Assistant units for protein synthesis

Roles of mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA in the translation process.

Coding take of mRNA

Contains the sequence that is translated into the polypeptide.

Signal in DNA for termination

A specific sequence that indicates RNA synthesis should stop.

Role of enzymes in transcription

Enzymes assist in the formation and processing of RNA.

Mechanisms of gene regulation in eukaryotes

Complex layers including transcription factors, chromatin structure, and RNA processing.

Functional RNA

RNA molecules that carry out functions other than coding for proteins.

RNA modifications in processing

Include the addition of a 5' cap, poly-A tail, and splicing of introns.

Proteins as cellular machines

Proteins perform various functions necessary for cellular processes.

Importance of ribosomes

They are crucial for synthesizing proteins based on genetic information.

Gene expression and cellular function

Gene expression determines how cells function and specialize.