Introduction to Gene Expression and Protein Synthesis

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to gene expression, transcription, and translation processes.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that contains the genetic instructions for life.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a molecule that plays a central role in the synthesis of proteins.

Protein

A macromolecule composed of amino acids that performs various functions in the cell.

Eukaryotic Gene Structure

The structure of a gene in eukaryotes, which includes parts such as promoters, exons, and introns.

Promoter

A region of DNA that controls when and where a gene is transcribed into RNA.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Exons

Coding regions of a gene that are transcribed into mRNA and eventually translated into protein.

Introns

Non-coding regions of a gene that are transcribed into pre-mRNA but are removed during RNA processing.

Termination Signal (Terminator)

A sequence of DNA that signals RNA polymerase to stop transcribing.

Polyadenylation (PolyA Tail)

The addition of a sequence of adenine nucleotides to the 3' end of an mRNA molecule.

RNA Splicing

The process of removing introns from pre-mRNA and joining exons to produce a mature mRNA.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Anticodon

A sequence of three nucleotides on tRNA that is complementary to a codon on mRNA.

Ribosome

A complex of rRNA and proteins that is the site of protein synthesis in the cell.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA, during which ribosomes read codons and tRNA brings the corresponding amino acids.

Universal Genetic Code

A set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material is translated into proteins, where specific codons correspond to specific amino acids.

RNA Polymerase

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