transcription/translation mcgraw hill video

These flashcards cover key concepts related to DNA, RNA, and the processes of transcription and translation, which are essential for understanding protein synthesis.

What is the primary role of nutrients in our diet?

To supply our bodies with essential nutrients for functioning.

What process breaks down food particles into usable nutrients?

Chemical digestion.

Where are the instructions to manufacture proteins contained?

In our DNA.

What is a gene?

A continuous string of nucleotides that codes for an RNA molecule.

What region marks the beginning of a gene?

The promoter.

What is the end region of a gene called?

The terminator.

What is the process called where RNA is synthesized from DNA?

Transcription.

What are the two main processes of gene expression?

Transcription and translation.

In which part of the eukaryotic cell does transcription occur?

In the nucleus.

What is the role of messenger RNA (mRNA) in translation?

To carry the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

What is the primary function of RNA polymerase?

To synthesize mRNA from the DNA template.

What three stages is transcription divided into?

Initiation, elongation, and termination.

What occurs during the initiation stage of transcription?

RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region of the gene.

What happens during elongation in transcription?

RNA polymerase slides along the DNA and links nucleotides to form RNA.

What is produced at the end of the termination process in transcription?

A completed messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript.

What are exons?

Coding regions in mRNA that are translated into proteins.

What are introns?

Non-coding sections of mRNA that are removed before translation.

What is intron splicing?

The process of removing introns and joining exons in mRNA.

What complex performs intron splicing?

The spliceosome.

What modifications are added to mRNA during splicing?

A 5' cap and a 3' poly-A tail.

How does mature mRNA exit the nucleus?

Through a nuclear pore.

What is the genetic code comprised of?

64 codons.

What do most codons code for?

Specific amino acids.

What is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA) in translation?

To bring amino acids to the ribosome and match them with codons.

What sequence determines the type of amino acid brought by tRNA?

The anticodon sequence.

What marks the start of translation?

The start codon on the mRNA.

What forms the translation complex?

The binding of the ribosome's large subunit after the initiator tRNA binds to the start codon.

What are the three sites in the large ribosomal subunit?

E (exit), P (peptidyl), and A (aminoacyl) sites.

What happens at the P site of the ribosome?

Amino acids are linked via peptide bonds.

What occurs during the elongation process of translation?

Amino acids are sequentially added to the growing polypeptide chain.

What happens when a stop codon is reached during translation?

A release factor binds, and the polypeptide is released.

What happens after translation is complete?

The polypeptide may need modifications before it is functional.

Where are digestive enzymes synthesized?

In the endoplasmic reticulum.

What happens to proteins as they pass through the Golgi apparatus?

They are modified before secretion.

How are proteins secreted from the cell?

Using vesicles through the plasma membrane into the digestive tract.

Why are proteins critical for the body?

They are necessary for most physiological functions.

What is the overall purpose of transcription and translation?

To produce proteins quickly and accurately.

What is the role of modifications in protein synthesis?

To ensure proteins are functional and properly processed.

What is the second stage of gene expression?

Translation.

What is the outcome of a completed transcription?

A mature mRNA strand capable of being translated.

What structure facilitates the base pairing during translation?

The ribosome.

Which nucleotide sequences in mRNA code for the start of protein synthesis?

Start codons.

What is one function of the 5' cap added to mRNA?

To protect the mRNA from degradation.

What is the significance of the 3' poly-A tail?

It enhances the stability and translation efficiency of mRNA.

What defines a coding region of a gene?

Exons that are translated into proteins.

How is the genetic information stored in DNA used?

Through transcription to mRNA and then translation to protein.

What type of biological molecule is RNA?

Nucleic acid.

What are polypeptides?

Chains of amino acids that form proteins.

Why must introns be removed from mRNA?

To create a mature mRNA transcript suitable for translation.

What does the term 'gene expression' refer to?

The process by which genes are turned into functional proteins.

What happens to the ribosome after translation?

It can reassemble to initiate another round of translation.

How do enzymes function in digestion?

By breaking down food particles into smaller molecules.

What is the role of regulatory sequences in a gene?

To control the rate of gene expression.

Why is the process of translation critical?

It synthesizes proteins that are essential for life.

What can happen if the transcription process is blocked?

Protein synthesis will be disrupted, affecting cell functions.

Describe the fate of the polypeptide after translation.

It may undergo further modifications before performing its function.

What occurs to the amino acid chain as tRNAs enter the ribosome?

A peptide bond forms, extending the polypeptide chain.

What is the significant role of the ribosome?

To facilitate the translation of mRNA into proteins.