Lecture 14: Translation and the Genetic Code

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and definitions related to translation and the genetic code from Lecture 15.

One gene-one enzyme hypothesis

The hypothesis that each gene encodes a separate enzyme, linking genotype to phenotype.

Amino acid structure

Basic components including an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a radical (R) group.

Primary structure of proteins

The linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Peptide bond

A covalent bond formed between two amino acids during protein synthesis.

Degenerate genetic code

A property of the genetic code where multiple codons can specify the same amino acid.

Unambiguous genetic code

A property of the genetic code where each codon specifies only one amino acid.

tRNA charging

The process of attaching the appropriate amino acid to its corresponding tRNA.

Shine-Dalgarno sequence

A ribosomal binding site in bacterial mRNA that helps initiate translation.

Wobble hypothesis

The concept that allows some tRNA anticodons to pair with more than one codon through flexible pairing.

mRNA surveillance

Mechanisms in cells that ensure accuracy in the translation process and degrade faulty mRNA.

Eukaryotic translation initiation

Involves multiple initiation factors and mRNA modifications such as the 5' cap and poly-A tail.

Polyribosomes (polysomes)

Complexes of multiple ribosomes translating the same mRNA concurrently.

Release factors

Proteins that promote termination of translation upon encountering a stop codon.

Initiation codon

The codon that signals the start of translation, typically AUG, coding for methionine.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase

Enzymes that charge tRNAs with their respective amino acids.

Quaternary structure

The overall structure formed when two or more polypeptide chains interact.