Transcription and Translation Concepts

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to transcription, translation, and gene expression in molecular biology.

Gene Expression

The process of using the information stored in a gene to build a functional protein.

Transcription

The process of copying DNA to synthesize mRNA.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins using mRNA as a template to assemble amino acids.

mRNA

Messenger RNA that carries protein-building information from DNA to the ribosome.

tRNA

Transfer RNA that brings amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA that makes up ribosomes.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that codes for an amino acid.

Intron

Non-coding sequences in pre-mRNA that are removed during RNA processing.

Exon

Coding sequences in pre-mRNA that are spliced together to form mature mRNA.

Alternative Splicing

The process that allows a single gene to produce multiple proteins by removing different exons.

Point Mutation

A mutation that involves a change in a single nucleotide.

Frameshift Mutation

A mutation caused by the insertion or deletion of nucleotides that shifts the reading frame during translation.

Differential Gene Expression

The process by which cells regulate the expression of their genes to produce the proteins they need.

Transcription Factor

Proteins that assist in regulating the transcription of genes by binding to nearby DNA.

Promoter

The region of a gene where RNA polymerase attaches to initiate transcription.

Terminator

A sequence that signals RNA polymerase to stop transcription.

Start Codon

The codon that marks the beginning of the protein coding sequence, typically AUG.

Stop Codon

Codons that signal for the termination of protein synthesis, such as UAA, UAG, or UGA.