pt 1

Central dogma

The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

One-gene/one-polypeptide hypothesis

The concept that each gene encodes a single polypeptide.

Genetic code

The set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material is translated into proteins.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing a protein from an mRNA template.

Codon

A three-nucleotide sequence on mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Universality

The idea that all living organisms share a common genetic code.

Frameshift mutation

A type of mutation that results from the insertion or deletion of nucleotides, altering the reading frame.

Promoter

A region of DNA where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.

Splicing

The process of removing introns and joining exons in pre-mRNA to produce a mature mRNA.

Start codon

The codon (AUG) that signals the start of translation.

Stop codon

Codons (UAA, UGA, UAG) that signal the termination of translation.