The Central Dogma and Protein Synthesis

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to the Central Dogma of molecular biology, protein synthesis, and related processes.

Central Dogma

The process by which genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein.

DNA

The carrier of genetic information that is replicated and transcribed.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, which carries instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins.

Protein Synthesis

The process by which proteins are created from amino acids based on instructions in the mRNA.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into mRNA.

Translation

The process where ribosomes read the mRNA transcript to synthesize proteins.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins, containing a central carbon, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable side chain.

Denaturation

The process in which proteins lose their structure due to heat, chemicals, or other factors.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, where transcription occurs in the nucleus.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells without a nucleus, where transcription and translation occur in the cytoplasm.

Operon

A unit of genetic regulation in bacteria, consisting of a promoter, operator, and genes.

Mutations

Changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in protein synthesis.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to produce a functional product, typically a protein.

Codon

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

Ribosome

A cellular structure that synthesizes proteins by translating mRNA.

tRNA

Transfer RNA, which carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

mRNA

Messenger RNA, which is transcribed from DNA and carries the code to ribosomes.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak bond between two molecules that is important in the structure and function of proteins.

Primary Structure

The unique sequence of amino acids in a protein.

Secondary Structure

The local folded structures that form within a protein due to hydrogen bonding.

Quaternary Structure

Complexes formed by the assembly of multiple protein polypeptide chains.