Protein Synthesis and Mutations Lecture

Vocabulary terms covering DNA transcription, translation, and various types of genetic mutations based on the biology lecture notes.

Transcription

The process occurring in the nucleus where DNA is used to produce mRNA.

Complementary base pairing

The second step of transcription mentioned in the process of creating mRNA.

mRNA

Messenger RNA produced during transcription that leaves the nucleus to be read in sets of three.

Initiation

The first step of translation where the ribosome looks for the start code sequence $AUG$.

Peptide bond

The specific type of bond that connects amino acids during the translation process.

tRNA

Transfer RNA, which carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

Anticodon

The specific code located at the bottom of a tRNA molecule.

Termination

The third step of translation that occurs when a stop codon is reached and the complex breaks apart.

Translation

The process of moving from mRNA (nucleotide language) to a protein (amino acid language).

Nucleotide

The monomer for both DNA and mRNA.

Amino Acid

The monomer for proteins.

Mutation

A permanent change in the genes or DNA sequence.

Somatic body cells

Regular body cells, such as eye, skin, or heart cells, where mutations affect only the individual and are not passed to offspring.

Gametes

Germline cells (sperm or egg) where mutations can be passed on to the next generation.

DNA polymerase

An enzyme that acts as a proofreader to ensure there are no mistakes during DNA replication.

Mutagens

External factors like UV light, radiation, or X-rays that can cause mutations.

Transposons

Also known as jumping genes, these are sequences of DNA that can move from one location to another and cause the most mutations.

Silent Mutation

A type of mutation where there is a change in the DNA but no change to the resulting amino acid.

Nonsense Mutation

A type of mutation where a stop codon is reached too early in the sequence.

Missense Mutation

A type of mutation where the amino acid sequence is completely changed.

Point mutation

A mutation occurring at a single nucleotide, usually involving a substitution where one base is replaced by another.

Sickle cell anemia

A condition caused by a single amino acid switch (glutamate to lysine) that changes the shape of a red blood cell from a donut to a sickle.

Frameshift mutation

A mutation caused by the insertion or deletion of a nucleotide, which shifts how the entire sequence of three-letter codons is read.