Untitled Flashcard Set

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)

Stores genetic information, is double-stranded, contains the bases A, T, C, G, and has deoxyribose sugar.

RNA (Ribonucleic acid)

Helps carry out DNA's instructions to make proteins, is single-stranded, contains the bases A, U, C, G, and has ribose sugar.

mRNA (messenger RNA)

Made in the nucleus, travels to the cytoplasm, and attaches to ribosomes to convey genetic information.

tRNA (transfer RNA)

Located in the cytoplasm, carries amino acids to the ribosome.

rRNA (ribosomal RNA)

Found in ribosomes, assists in assembling proteins.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains instructions to produce a specific protein.

Replicative Origin

Specific DNA sequence where replication begins.

Promoter

Signals where transcription begins; binding site for RNA polymerase.

Elongation (transcription)

RNA polymerase moves along the DNA, building mRNA by pairing RNA bases with DNA bases.

Initiation (transcription)

RNA polymerase binds to the promoter and unwinds the DNA.

Termination (transcription)

Marks the end of transcription when the terminator sequence is reached.

Amino Acid

Building blocks of proteins.

Codon

A group of three mRNA bases that codes for one amino acid or a stop signal.

Point Mutation

A mutation involving a change in a single nucleotide.

Frameshift Mutation

A mutation caused by insertion or deletion of a nucleotide, shifting the reading frame.

Silent Mutation

A mutation that does not change the amino acid sequence.

Missense Mutation

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

Nonsense Mutation

A mutation that introduces a premature stop codon, leading to truncated protein.

Poly-A Tail

A string of adenine bases added to the 3' end of mRNA to stabilize it.

5’ Cap

A modified guanine nucleotide added to the 5' end of mRNA to protect it.

DNA Replication

The process by which DNA makes a copy of itself.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that bind to DNA and regulate gene expression.