Protein Synthesis: Transcription Guided Notes

Flashcards focused on key terms and concepts from the lecture on Protein Synthesis and Transcription.

Central Dogma

Describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to Protein.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into mRNA.

RNA Polymerase

Enzyme that synthesizes mRNA from the DNA template strand in the 5' → 3' direction.

Promoter

A non-coding region of DNA that initiates transcription, typically starts with a TATA box.

Elongation Phase

Phase where RNA polymerase synthesizes mRNA by reading the template strand.

Termination Phase

Phase of transcription where a terminator sequence signals the release of mRNA and detachment of RNA polymerase.

Enhancers

DNA sequences that increase the rate of transcription.

Silencers

DNA sequences that decrease the rate of transcription.

Introns

Non-coding sequences in mRNA that are removed before translation.

Exons

Coding sequences in mRNA that are expressed and remain after splicing.

Alternative Splicing

A process that allows a single gene to code for multiple proteins by including or excluding specific exons.

5' Cap

A modified nucleotide added to the 5' end of mRNA that aids in ribosome binding.

Poly-A Tail

A string of adenines added to the 3' end of mRNA that protects mRNA from degradation.