Transcription and Translation in Protein Synthesis

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the processes of transcription and translation in protein synthesis, including definitions and important components.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures that synthesize proteins by translating mRNA into amino acid sequences.

Genetic Code

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

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, which forms a protein.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotide bases in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid.

Start Codon

The codon AUG, which signals the start of protein synthesis and codes for methionine.

Stop Codon

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

Wobble Effect

The phenomenon where multiple codons can specify the same amino acid, allowing some mutations to be silent.

Translation

The process of decoding mRNA codons to assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains.

tRNA

Transfer RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome and contains anticodons complementary to mRNA codons.

Post Translational Modifications

Chemical modifications made to a protein after its synthesis, including phosphorylation, cleavage, glycosylation, and lipidation.