Unit 6.2 - DNA Replication and Protein Synthesis

Flashcards covering DNA replication, transcription, and translation.

Conservative Model of DNA Replication

A model where the original DNA molecule remains intact and a completely new DNA molecule is synthesized.

Semiconservative Model of DNA Replication

A model where each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Dispersive Model of DNA Replication

A model where each new DNA molecule contains fragments of both original and newly synthesized DNA interspersed.

mRNA

Messenger RNA; carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes.

tRNA

Transfer RNA; transfers amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

Anticodon

A sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that binds to a complementary codon in mRNA during translation.

Codon Wheel/Table

A chart showing which amino acid corresponds to each codon.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid or stop signal during protein synthesis.

Start Codon

AUG is the start codon for translation.

Stop Codons

UAA, UAG, and UGA are the stop codons in translation.

RNA vs. DNA Differences

1. RNA is single-stranded, DNA is double-stranded. 2. RNA contains uracil, DNA contains thymine.

Transcription

The process where a DNA sequence is copied into RNA.

RNA Polymerase

Enzyme that pairs RNA bases to DNA, facilitating transcription.

mRNA function

Carries genetic information from DNA.

tRNA Function

Transfers amino acids to ribosomes.

rRNA Function

Helps make ribosomes.

Proteins

Assembled on ribosomes. Long chain of amino acids.

Translation

Process used to synthesize proteins.

Matthew Meselson and Franklin Stahl

Scientists that confirmed the correct model of DNA replication.

Semiconservative Replication

The confirmed model of DNA replication where each new DNA molecule contains one original and one new strand.

Helicase

Enzyme that unwinds DNA strands.

DNA Polymerase

Enzyme that makes new DNA strands; binds them back together.

DNA Replication Result

One old strand of DNA and one new strand.