BIOS/CHEM 454 Module C Practice Packet

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key terms and concepts from the lecture notes about genetic information flow, RNA metabolism, translation, DNA metabolism, and protein structure.

Translation

The process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins from messenger RNA (mRNA).

E. coli

A common bacterium used in genetic research, particularly in studies of molecular biology, including translation and RNA metabolism.

mRNA

Messenger RNA, the type of RNA that conveys genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.

Initiation complex

The assembly of ribosomal subunits, mRNA, and initiator tRNA to begin the translation process.

Aminoacyl-tRNA

A molecule that carries an amino acid to the ribosome for incorporation into a polypeptide during translation.

Peptidyl transferase

The catalytic activity of the ribosomal large subunit that forms peptide bonds between amino acids.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid or start/stop signal.

Introns

Non-coding segments of RNA that are spliced out during the maturation of eukaryotic mRNA.

Exons

Coding segments of RNA that are joined together after introns are removed to form mature mRNA.

Okazaki fragments

Short segments of DNA synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

Silencing mutation

A mutation that does not change the amino acid sequence because it results in the same codon.

Missense mutation

A mutation that results in a different amino acid being incorporated into a protein.

Nonsense mutation

A mutation that creates a premature stop codon, terminating protein synthesis early.

Frameshift mutation

A mutation caused by insertion or deletion of nucleotides, altering the reading frame of the genetic code.

RNA polymerase

An enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Promoter

A region of DNA that initiates transcription of a particular gene, recognized by RNA polymerase.

Post-translational modification

Chemical alterations made to a protein after synthesis, affecting its function and activity.

Homologous recombination

A process in genetics where two similar or identical strands of DNA exchange genetic material, important for genetic diversity and repair.

Sigma factor

A protein that associates with RNA polymerase to facilitate the initiation of transcription in bacterial cells.

5' cap

A modified guanine nucleotide added to the 5' end of eukaryotic mRNA, protecting it from degradation and assisting in ribosome binding.

Poly-A tail

A sequence of adenine nucleotides added to the 3' end of eukaryotic mRNA, enhancing stability and translation.

DNA ligase

An enzyme that facilitates the joining of DNA strands together by catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds.