Genetic Code and Protein Synthesis

Flashcards covering key concepts from the Genetic Code and Protein Synthesis lecture.

Genetic Code

The way in which the base sequence of DNA specifies the amino acid sequence of a protein.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from messenger RNA (mRNA) by using ribosomes.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid.

Wobble Hypothesis

The idea that the third position in a codon can vary while still coding for the same amino acid.

Frameshift Mutation

A genetic mutation caused by a deletion or insertion in a DNA sequence that shifts the way the sequence is read.

Synonymous Codons

Different codons that code for the same amino acid.

Peptide Bond

The chemical bond that forms between two amino acids during protein synthesis.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

A type of RNA that delivers amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

AUG

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

Stop Codon

Codons (UAA, UAG, UGA) that signal the termination of protein synthesis.

Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase

An enzyme that attaches the appropriate amino acid to its tRNA.

Initiation Complex

Formed during the initiation of translation; consists of the mRNA, ribosome subunits, and the first tRNA.

Elongation Phase

The stage in protein synthesis where amino acids are added one by one to the growing polypeptide chain.

Termination Phase

The final stage of protein synthesis when a stop codon is reached and the polypeptide chain is released.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen; often used as an example of gene mutations affecting phenotype.

Mutation

A change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA, which can lead to changes in protein function.