Bio 006 - 15B: From Gene to Protein 3

Ribosome

Cell organelle made of rRNA and proteins. Found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes (everything).

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA, forms ribosome structure.

Subunits

Ribosomes consist of large and small_______.

P site

Site on ribosome where tRNA holds polypeptide.

A site

Site on ribosome where new tRNA enters.

E site

Site on ribosome where tRNA exits.

tRNA

Transfer RNA that carries amino acids.

Anticodon

Three nucleotides on tRNA that pair with mRNA.

Codon

Three nucleotides on mRNA that specify amino acid.

Genetic Code

Rules determining amino acid sequence from codons.

Initiation

First step of translation, starts with AUG codon.

Elongation

Second step of translation, amino acids are added to build the polypeptide.

Termination

Final step of translation, ends at one of the 3 stop codon.

Stop Codons

UUA, UAG, UGA signal translation to stop.

mRNA

Messenger RNA that carries genetic information.

mRNA Half-Life

Average 10 hours in humans before degradation.

mRNA Vaccine

Vaccine using mRNA to instruct protein production.

Spike Protein

Protein on SARS-CoV-2 recognized by immune system.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by immune system to fight pathogens.

Vaccine Function

Teaches immune system to recognize pathogens.

degradation

Process of calls breaking down mRNA after use to be recycled.

Vaccine Misconceptions

Common misunderstandings about mRNA vaccine technology.

SARS-CoV-2

Virus causing Covid-19, uses RNA genome.

Translation Hijacking

Virus RNA uses host ribosomes for replication.

Future of mRNA Vaccines

Potential for treating diseases beyond Covid-19.