Unit 5 Quiz 1

What is the connection between genes and proteins?

Genes are specific sequences of DNA that provide instructions for the formation of proteins.

What is the basic difference between transcription and translation?

Transcription is the process by which DNA is copied to mRNA; translation builds polypeptides using mRNA's instructions.

Where does transcription occur?

Transcription occurs inside the nuclear membrane.

Where does translation occur?

Translation occurs in the cytoplasm.

How do codons relate to the genetic code, DNA, and mRNA?

Codons are groups of three nucleotide bases in mRNA that code for specific amino acids derived from genes in DNA.

What does it mean that the genetic code 'wobbles'?

The genetic code 'wobbles' means that different codons can code for the same amino acid; the last base can vary while the first two remain the same.

What is the role of the RNA polymerase during mRNA synthesis?

RNA polymerase binds to the promoter and transcribes DNA into complementary mRNA nucleotides.

What happens at the terminator site in transcription?

RNA polymerase meets the stop codon, leaves the area, and releases the mRNA strand.

What are the key differences in transcription between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Prokaryotes transcribe in the cytoplasm with one RNA polymerase and simple promoters, while eukaryotes transcribe in the nucleus with three types of RNA polymerase and complex promoters.

Describe the post-transcriptional modifications of mRNA in eukaryotes.

Post-transcriptional modifications include polyadenylation at the 3' end, adding a modified guanine nucleotide at the 5' end, splicing out introns, and joining exons.