Biology DNA, RNA, and Genes

DNA

The molecule that holds genetic information and instructions for making proteins.

Nucleotide

The building block of DNA and RNA, made of a sugar, a phosphate, and a nitrogen base.

Gene

A section of DNA that has instructions to make a protein.

mRNA (messenger RNA)

A copy of DNA that carries instructions to the ribosome to make a protein.

tRNA (transfer RNA)

Brings the right amino acids to the ribosome to build a protein.

rRNA (ribosomal RNA)

A part of the ribosome that helps make proteins.

Protein Synthesis

The process of making proteins from DNA instructions.

Transcription

The first step of protein synthesis, where DNA is copied into mRNA (happens in the nucleus).

Translation

The second step of protein synthesis, where mRNA is read to build a protein (happens in the ribosome).

Amino Acids

The small building blocks that join together to make proteins.

Codon

A group of 3 mRNA bases that code for an amino acid.

Mutation

A change in DNA that can affect how proteins are made.

Intron

A part of mRNA that is removed because it doesn’t code for a protein.

Exon

A part of mRNA that stays because it has the instructions to make a protein.

What is Protein Synthesis?

The process by which cells build proteins based on the instructions encoded in DNA.

What is the role of the ribosome in protein synthesis?

The ribosome is the site where protein synthesis occurs, reading mRNA and assembling amino acids into a polypeptide chain.

What is an anticodon?

An anticodon is a group of three bases on tRNA that pairs with a corresponding codon on mRNA during translation.