lecture 1: Prokaryotic transcription flashcards

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to prokaryotic gene regulation, plasmids, and cloning applications as presented in the lecture notes.

Prokaryotic genome

Mostly circular; lacks introns; organized in operons.

Operons

Groups of genes regulated together, allowing simultaneous expression.

Polycistronic mRNAs

mRNAs that encode multiple proteins within a single transcript.

Plasmids

Small, extrachromosomal circular DNA in bacteria; replicate independent of the chromosomal DNA.

Transcription and translation coupling

In prokaryotes, transcription and translation occur simultaneously.

Lac operon

A model of prokaryotic gene regulation; transcribed only in the presence of lactose.

RNA polymerase

Enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.

Promoter

A DNA sequence where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.

Repressor

A regulatory protein that inhibits transcription by binding to the operator.

Activator

A protein that increases the likelihood of transcription by recruiting RNA polymerase.

Restriction Enzymes

Proteins that cut DNA at specific sequences.

Transformation

The process by which bacteria take up plasmids or DNA from their environment.

Allosteric site

A place on a protein where non-substrate molecules can bind, affecting protein function.

Intrinsic transcription termination

A mechanism by which RNA polymerase stops transcription once specific signals in the RNA are reached.

Gene expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to produce a functional gene product, typically a protein.

Nucleotides

The building blocks of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Beta-galactosidase

An enzyme encoded by the lacZ gene that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose.

IPTG (Isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactoside)

A molecule used to induce expression of genes in prokaryotic systems.

GST (Glutathione S-transferase)

A protein used for purifying other proteins through affinity chromatography.

Phage T4

A type of bacteriophage known for lysing host cells during its lytic cycle.

Bacterial colony

A visible cluster of bacteria, each originating from a single cell.

DNA cloning

The process of making multiple copies of a specific DNA segment.