Biology Gene Expression

Level 2 - 91159

protein synthesis / gene expression  

The process where the instructions in our DNA are converted into a functional protein, includes transcription / translation and protein folding. 

Codon  

A unit of three adjacent nucleotides in the messenger RNA (mRNA) chain that codes for a specific amino acid in the synthesis of a protein molecule.  

Gene  

A sequence of DNA that occupies a specific location on a chromosome and that determines a particular characteristic in an organism.  

Transcription  

The process of making a copy of genetic information, stored in a DNA strand, into a complementary strand of RNA 

Translation  

The process of translating the sequence of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule to a sequence of amino acids during protein synthesis.  

Polypeptide  

a chain of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds.  

Anticodon

Three consecutive bases on a tRNA molecule that is complementary to the mRNA codon. 

Amino acids

The building blocks of proteins. 

mRNA  

A single stranded short molecule made up of phosphate, ribose sugar and bases A, U, G, C.
Is made during transcription.
Carries the genetic information out of the nucleus.

tRNA

Carries the amino acid to the ribosome and drops it off to the polypeptide chain.  

Mutation

A permanent change in the base sequence of the DNA 

Mutagen  

An agent such as radiation or a chemical substance which causes a mutation.  

Enzyme  

A biological catalyst that speeds up reactions. 

Metabolic pathway  

A sequence of biochemical reactions, catalyzed by enzymes, where an initial molecule is modified in a step by step process to form another product  

the first process

transcription