RNA Molecules and RNA Processing

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to RNA molecules and RNA processing, essential for understanding genetic information flow and protein synthesis.

mRNA

Messenger RNA, serves as an intermediate to carry genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein translation.

tRNA

Transfer RNA, acts as an adapter molecule linking amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA, a component of ribosomes that helps catalyze protein synthesis.

Promoter

A DNA sequence that initiates transcription of a particular gene.

Intron

Non-coding sequences in a gene that are removed during RNA splicing.

Exon

Coding sequences in a gene that are retained after RNA splicing.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

5' Cap

A modified guanine nucleotide added to the 5' end of mRNA, increasing stability and aiding translation.

Poly(A) Tail

A sequence of adenine nucleotides added to the 3' end of mRNA, contributing to its stability and transport.

Spliceosome

A complex of snRNPs and proteins that carries out RNA splicing.

Alternative splicing

A process by which different combinations of exons are joined together, producing multiple mRNA variants from a single gene.

Codon

A three-nucleotide sequence in mRNA that specifies an amino acid.

Amino Acid

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins.

Shine-Dalgarno sequence

Ribosome binding site in bacterial mRNA that facilitates translation initiation.

snoRNAs

Small nucleolar RNAs that assist in processing rRNA within the nucleolus.