3520_S_GenesRNABiosynth_rev20240325-1

Linking Number (Lk)

A measure of the coiling of a DNA double helix.

Supercoiling

The coiling of DNA that occurs in addition to the normal helical structure, either negatively or positively.

Topoisomerases

Enzymes that change the linking number of DNA by creating breaks and allowing rotation.

Superhelical Density (σ)

A measure that describes the amount of supercoiling in DNA, independent of DNA length.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The process by which DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into protein.

Gene

A segment of DNA that encodes for a polypeptide or RNA with a functional role.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

RNA that carries information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

A component of ribosomes that aids in protein synthesis.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Adapter molecules that translate mRNA into a specific sequence of amino acids.

Polycistronic mRNA

An mRNA that encodes multiple proteins, commonly found in prokaryotes.

Eukaryotic genes

Genes containing introns, which are non-coding regions.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Promoter Sequence

A region of DNA that regulates the recruitment of RNA polymerase and initiates transcription.

p-Dependent Termination

Termination of transcription that requires a protein factor known as 'p' helicase.

Intron Splicing

The process of removing introns from pre-mRNA to produce mature mRNA.

RNA Hydrolysis

A chemical process that involves the breaking down of RNA molecules, often facilitated by base-catalysis.

RNA Secondary Structure

The unique folding of RNA molecules that allows them to perform various biological functions.

Reverse Transcription

The process by which RNA is reverse transcribed into DNA by reverse transcriptase.