Genetic Code and Translation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to the genetic code, translation, and associated processes.

mRNA

Messenger RNA which carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

tRNA

Transfer RNA which brings the appropriate amino acid to the ribosome based on the codon sequence.

Start Codon

AUG, the codon that signals the start of translation and codes for methionine.

Stop Codons

Codons that signal the termination of protein synthesis; do not code for amino acids.

Anticodon

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

Redundancy in the Genetic Code

The phenomenon where multiple codons can code for the same amino acid.

Nonsense Mutation

A mutation that introduces a premature stop codon, resulting in truncated proteins.

Wobble Base Pairing

The ability of the third nucleotide in a codon to vary without changing the amino acid it codes for.

Ribosome

The cellular machinery that facilitates the translation of mRNA into a polypeptide chain.

Polypeptide Chain

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, formed during translation.

Initiation, Elongation, Termination

The three main steps of translation.

Signal Sequence

A short peptide that directs proteins to their correct cellular location.

Codon

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

Polyribosome

A cluster of ribosomes translating the same mRNA strand simultaneously.

cDNA

Complementary DNA synthesized from mRNA, typically used in genetic engineering.

AUG

The start codon that signals the beginning of translation and codes for methionine.

Redundant Codons

Codons that are different but code for the same amino acid, showing redundancy in the genetic code.

Nuclear Localization Signal (NLS)

A signal sequence that directs proteins to the nucleus.