protein synthesis

DNA

A double-stranded molecule that contains the genetic blueprint for all living organisms; it directs protein synthesis.

RNA

A single-stranded molecule involved in protein synthesis, acting as a messenger between DNA and ribosomes.

mRNA

Carries genetic instructions from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes, where proteins are made.

tRNA

A structural component of ribosomes that helps read mRNA and assemble amino acids into proteins.

rRNA

Brings specific amino acids to the ribosome to match with codons on the mRNA during protein synthesis.

transcription

The process where a DNA sequence is copied into mRNA in the nucleus.

RNA polymerase

The enzyme that reads DNA and builds an RNA strand during transcription.

introns

Non-coding regions of RNA that are removed during mRNA processing.

exons

Coding sections of RNA that remain and are spliced together to form the final mRNA.

initiation

The beginning of transcription where RNA polymerase binds to the DNA’s promoter region.

elongation

The stage where RNA polymerase adds RNA nucleotides to build the RNA strand.

termination

The process where transcription ends and the RNA strand is released.

mRNA processing

The modifications made to pre-mRNA, including splicing, capping, and adding a poly-A tail.

promoter region

A DNA sequence where RNA polymerase binds to start transcription.

splicing

The process of cutting out introns and joining exons to make mature mRNA.

mg cap

A modified guanine added to the 5' end of mRNA that protects it and helps it bind to ribosomes.

poly A tail

A string of adenines added to the 3' end of mRNA that stabilizes it and aids in transport out of the nucleus.

immature mRNA

The original RNA transcript containing both introns and exons before processing.

mature mRNA

The final, processed mRNA that contains only exons and is ready for translation.

proteins

Chains of amino acids that perform various functions like structure, enzymes, and signaling in the body.

amino acids

The building blocks of proteins; each one is added to the chain according to mRNA instructions.