RNA Synthesis and Protein Translation

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to RNA synthesis, protein translation, and associated processes such as transcription, translation, mutations, and modifications.

Gene expression

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

Transcription

The synthesis of RNA using the information in DNA.

Translation

The process of synthesizing a polypeptide (protein) from the RNA transcript.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

A type of RNA that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where it is translated into protein.

Amino acids

The monomers of proteins, which are linked together by peptide bonds to form polypeptides.

Ribosome

A cellular structure that facilitates the translation of mRNA into protein.

Uracil

A nucleotide base found in RNA that pairs with adenine, replacing thymine found in DNA.

Transcription factors

Proteins that assist the initiation of transcription by promoting the binding of RNA polymerase to a promoter region.

RNA polymerase

The enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Promoter region

A DNA region where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.

Intron

A non-coding region of a gene that is removed during RNA processing.

Exon

The coding regions of a gene that are expressed and ultimately translated into protein.

Spliceosome

A complex of proteins and RNA that performs RNA splicing, removing introns and linking exons.

Polyadenylation

The process of adding a poly(A) tail to the 3' end of an mRNA transcript to protect it and assist in export from the nucleus.

Codon

A three-nucleotide sequence in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.

Wobble base

The third position in a codon that allows for some flexibility in base pairing, enabling one tRNA to recognize multiple codons.

Point mutation

A genetic mutation where a single nucleotide base pair is substituted with another.

Missense mutation

A mutation that results in a different amino acid being incorporated into a protein.

Nonsense mutation

A mutation that creates a premature stop codon in the mRNA, leading to an incomplete protein.

Frameshift mutation

A mutation caused by insertions or deletions that shift the reading frame of the genetic code.

Post-translational modification

Changes made to a protein after it has been translated, which can alter its function.

Alternative splicing

A process by which different combinations of exons are joined or excluded from the final mRNA, resulting in multiple proteins from a single gene.

Quaternary structure

The highest level of protein structure, where multiple polypeptide chains join together to form a functional protein.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds; a protein may consist of one or more polypeptides.

Carcinogen

Any substance that can cause cancer by mutating DNA.