Protein Synthesis and Cellular Transport

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on Protein Synthesis and Cellular Transport, including important processes, organelles, and transport mechanisms.

Protein Synthesis

The process through which cells synthesize proteins using genetic information from DNA.

Nucleus

Organelle that houses DNA and is involved in synthesizing proteins.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)

A ribosome-encrusted organelle responsible for protein synthesis.

Ribosomes

RNA structures that serve as protein building sites.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies proteins from the rough ER and packages them into vesicles.

Transcription

The process through which a molecule of RNA is produced from a segment of DNA.

Translation

The process through which a polypeptide is assembled following the mRNA nucleotide sequence.

DNA Polymerase

The enzyme responsible for unwinding DNA and promoting DNA nucleotide base pairing during replication.

mRNA (messenger RNA)

A single-stranded nucleic acid derived from DNA that carries information needed to make a specific protein.

tRNA (transfer RNA)

The nucleic acid responsible for reading mRNA and attaching amino acids in the correct sequence.

rRNA (ribosomal RNA)

Nucleic acid that makes up ribosomes.

Concentration Gradient

The difference in substance concentration across a membrane that drives molecular movement.

Passive Transport

The movement of molecules down a concentration gradient without the use of energy.

Active Transport

The movement of molecules against a concentration gradient requiring energy.

Endocytosis

The process of bringing materials into the cell.

Exocytosis

The process of releasing materials into the extracellular environment.

Isotonic solution

A solution where the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside of a cell.

Hypotonic solution

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to the cytosol of a cell.

Hypertonic solution

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to the cytosol of a cell.