Transcription and DNA Structure

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to transcription, DNA structure, and the processes involved in gene expression.

Phosphodiester Bond

A type of bond that links the 3' carbon atom of one sugar molecule to the 5' carbon atom of another, forming the backbone of DNA and RNA.

TATA Box

A conserved DNA sequence in the promoter region of genes that is recognized by transcription factors and RNA polymerase to initiate transcription.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that bind to DNA and help initiate or regulate the transcription of genes.

mRNA

Messenger RNA, a type of RNA that conveys genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

Transcription Stages

The three key stages of transcription are initiation, elongation, and termination.

Coding Strand

The DNA strand that has the same sequence as the mRNA transcript (except that T is replaced by U in RNA).

Template Strand

The DNA strand that RNA polymerase reads to synthesize the complementary RNA strand.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains the coding information for a protein.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Initiation of Transcription

The process where RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region of a gene to start RNA synthesis.

DNA Sequence Direction

DNA is read in the 3' to 5' direction during transcription; RNA is synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction.

Elongation Phase

The phase of transcription where RNA polymerase adds complementary nucleotides to the growing RNA strand.

Termination of Transcription

The stage in transcription where RNA polymerase stops synthesizing RNA when it reaches a terminator sequence.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle in which transcription occurs, including G1 and G2 phases.

Sigma Factor

A protein that aids RNA polymerase in binding to the promoter region in prokaryotes.