Introduction to Molecular Biology: Transcription and Translation

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the processes of transcription and translation in molecular biology, crucial for understanding gene expression.

Transcription

The process of converting DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process where messenger RNA is decoded to produce a specific polypeptide or amino acid chain.

mRNA (messenger RNA)

A type of RNA that carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome where proteins are synthesized.

Protein

Molecules composed of amino acids that perform various functions in the cell; the product of gene expression.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The genetic information flow: DNA is transcribed to RNA, which is then translated into proteins.

Ribosome

A cell structure made of RNA and proteins that synthesizes proteins by translating mRNA.

Codon

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

Anticodon

A sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that pairs with the corresponding codon in mRNA.

Exons

Coding regions of a gene that are expressed and included in the final mRNA product.

Introns

Noncoding regions of a gene that are removed during RNA processing before translation.

RNA polymerase

The enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Promoter

A DNA sequence that signals the start point for transcription.

TATA Box

A specific DNA sequence within a promoter that is important for initiating transcription.

Point Mutation

A change in a single nucleotide base in DNA, which may lead to protein changes.

Missense Mutation

A mutation that leads to a different amino acid being incorporated into a protein.

Nonsense Mutation

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

Codon Table

A table that correlates amino acids with corresponding codons in mRNA.

Spliceosomes

Molecular complexes that remove introns and splice exons together during mRNA processing.

Alternative RNA Splicing

A process that allows a single gene to code for multiple proteins by rearranging exons during splicing.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, which typically folds into a functional protein.

Mutagens

Agents that cause mutations, such as chemicals or radiation.