Transcription: From DNA to RNA Process Overview

Transcription

The process of copying DNA into RNA, involving a DNA template, precursors to RNA nucleotides, and various protein components.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA, where the language differs from DNA to RNA.

Nucleoside

A compound consisting of a sugar molecule (ribose in RNA) bound to a nitrogenous base.

Triphosphate

A nucleotide containing three phosphate groups, providing energy for polymerization during transcription.

RNA nucleotides

Precursors required for RNA synthesis, composed of a nucleoside with a triphosphate group.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA, crucial for translation, forming the structure of ribosomes.

mRNA

Messenger RNA, carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

tRNA

Transfer RNA, delivers amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

snRNA

Small nuclear RNA, combines with proteins to form small nuclear ribonucleoproteins, aiding in mRNA maturation.

snoRNA

Small nucleolar RNA, assists in processing ribosomal RNA.

scRNA

Small cytosolic RNA, with a current unclear role in cellular processes.

miRNA

Micro RNA, involved in RNA interference processes.

siRNA

Small interfering RNA, participates in RNA interference mechanisms.

Transcriptional Unit

A segment of DNA encoding an RNA molecule along with necessary transcription sequences like promoters and terminators.

Promoter

A DNA sequence that signals the starting point for transcription and assists in enzyme recognition.

Terminator

A DNA sequence that marks the end of a transcriptional unit, signaling transcription to stop.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template and separating DNA strands during transcription.

Sigma Factor

A protein that assists RNA polymerase in recognizing the promoter and initiating transcription.

Transcription Bubble

A region of unwound DNA where transcription occurs, typically about 18 nucleotides in length.

Consensus Sequence

A set of commonly occurring nucleotides in DNA sequences with significant similarity.

Polycistronic mRNA

A group of genes transcribed together as a single unit, common in prokaryotes.

Transcription Factor

A protein that aids in stabilizing the basal transcriptional apparatus on a promoter by binding to specific DNA sequences.

Pre-initiation Complex (PIC)

A complex of RNA polymerase, general transcription factors, and other proteins assembled at the promoter before transcription initiation.

Coding Strand

The DNA strand with the same sequence as the RNA transcript, except with thymine instead of uracil.

Template Strand

The DNA strand used as a template for RNA synthesis, complementary to the coding strand.

mRNA

The mRNA sequence corresponding to the given DNA coding strand: 5' ...AUGCGUUUAGAAUGA... 3'.

Promoter Direction

The direction in which the promoter faces determines the template strand, opposite to the direction of RNA polymerase movement (5' to 3').