Protein Synthesis Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts in protein synthesis, including transcription, translation, and related terminology.

What is protein synthesis?

The process by which cells make proteins, controlled by DNA and involving RNA.

What are proteins?

Complex molecules made up of amino acids, linked by peptide bonds, with a specific sequence determining their function.

What are amino acids?

The monomers (building blocks) of proteins.

What is a base triplet?

A sequence of three consecutive nitrogenous bases on a DNA strand, forming the basic unit of the genetic code.

What is a codon?

A sequence of three consecutive nitrogenous bases on an mRNA molecule, complementary to a DNA base triplet, specifying a particular amino acid.

What is an anti-codon?

A sequence of three consecutive nitrogenous bases on a tRNA molecule, complementary to an mRNA codon, ensuring the correct amino acid is delivered.

What is transcription?

The first stage of protein synthesis where the genetic code from a DNA gene is copied into a complementary messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. Occurs in the nucleus.

What is translation?

The second stage of protein synthesis where the genetic code carried by mRNA is decoded by ribosomes and transfer RNA (tRNA) to produce a specific sequence of amino acids, forming a polypeptide chain (protein). Occurs in the cytoplasm on ribosomes.

What is a peptide bond?

The chemical bond that forms between adjacent amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

What is RNA polymerase?

The enzyme that controls the process of transcription.

What are STOP codons?

Specific mRNA codons that signal the termination (end) of translation.

Where and why does transcription occur?

Occurs in the nucleoplasm within the nucleus to create an mRNA molecule carrying the genetic code for one specific protein (gene) from the DNA template.

Describe the role of DNA during transcription in protein synthesis.

That DNA codes for a particular protein/polypeptide/amino acid sequence, and one strand is used as a template to form mRNA.

What is Protein synthesis?

The process by which cells make proteins.

What is transcription?

Refers to the process occurring in the nucleus during which mRNA is made.

What is translation?

Refers to the process occurring in the cytoplasm during which amino acids combine according to the sequence of the codons on mRNA.

What is a codon?

A triplet of nitrogen bases on mRNA.

What is an anticodon?

A triplet of bases on tRNA.

What are peptide bonds?

These are bonds that attach one amino acid to another in a protein.

Polypeptide Chain

Is formed when more than two amino acids are joined together.