Bio 006 - 15A: From Genes to Proteins 2

RNA Polymerase

Enzyme that makes a copy of a gene from the genome so it can be sent to a ribosome.

mRNA

Messenger RNA that carries genetic information from the nucleus to the ribosome.

Ribosome

Cellular structure that builds proteins (aka amino acid sequence)

tRNA

Transfer RNA that brings amino acids to ribosomes.

Codon

Set of three mRNA nucleotides coding for an amino acid.

Anticodon

Set of three tRNA nucleotides pairing with mRNA codon.

Exons

Coding sequences that remain in mRNA after processing.

Introns

Non-coding sequences removed from mRNA.

Post-transcriptional modification

Editing of mRNA in between transcription and translation in eukaryotes.

• Introns → DON'T code for proteins → CUT OUT

• Exons → actually code for proteins → STAY IN

Initiation

First step of translation; mRNA binds to ribosome.

Elongation

Step of translation where amino acids are added.

Termination

Step of translation where protein synthesis ends.

Promoter

DNA sequence where transcription begins.

Ori

Origin of replication in DNA replication.

Leading strand

DNA strand synthesized continuously during replication.

Lagging strand

DNA strand synthesized in short segments.

Genome

Complete set of genetic material in an organism.

AUG

Start codon for protein synthesis.

Stop codons

UUA, UAG, UGA; signal termination of translation.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA that makes up ribosomes.

P site

Ribosome site holding the growing polypeptide.

A site

Ribosome site where new tRNA enters.

E site

Ribosome site where tRNA exits.

Genetic Code

Set of rules defining how mRNA codons translate to amino acids.

5' to 3' direction

Direction in which RNA and DNA strands are synthesized.

antiparallel

2 stands running in opposite directions (5’ to 3’)

uracil

In RNA, thymine is switched with _________

RNA

Single stranded and has a ribose sugar (missing an oxygen)

DNA

Double stranded with deoxyribose sugar.