RNA Synthesis and Processing

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on RNA synthesis and processing concepts.

RNA polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.

Transcription

The process of copying a gene from DNA to RNA.

Promoter

A specific DNA sequence that initiates transcription.

Nontemplate Strand

The DNA strand that has the same sequence as the RNA transcript (coding).

Operons

A cluster of genes transcribed as a single mRNA in prokaryotes.

Eukaryotic transcription

Transcription in eukaryotes that involves additional processing steps.

5' Capping

Addition of a modified guanine nucleotide to the 5' end of mRNA for stability.

Splicing

The process of removing introns and connecting exons in pre-mRNA.

Introns

Non-coding sequences that are removed during RNA processing.

Exons

Coding sequences that remain in the mature mRNA after splicing.

Polyadenylation

Addition of a poly(A) tail to the 3' end of mRNA after transcription.

Ribozymes

RNA molecules with catalytic activity, capable of splicing.

Small nuclear RNA (snRNA)

RNA that, along with proteins, forms the spliceosome essential for splicing.

Transcription Factors (TFs)

Proteins that assist RNA polymerase in initiating transcription.

CTD (Carboxy-terminal domain)

A domain of RNA polymerase II that is phosphorylated during transcription.

RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex)

A protein complex involved in RNA interference by targeting mRNA.

mRNA degradation

The process by which messenger RNA is broken down in the cell.

p-dependent termination

A mechanism of transcription termination requiring the rho factor.

Transcription bubble

A localized unwound region of DNA where transcription occurs.

Sigma factor

A protein that associates with RNA polymerase to facilitate promoter recognition.