Transcription and Translation in Eukaryotic Cells

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to transcription and translation in eukaryotic cells.

Transcription factors

Proteins that bind to specific promoters and enhancers to help initiate transcription by recruiting RNA Polymerase II.

TATA box

A DNA sequence that serves as the recognition site for transcription factors to guide RNA polymerase II to the promoter.

Amino acyl-tRNA synthetase

An enzyme that catalyzes the attachment of the appropriate amino acid to its corresponding tRNA.

Peptidyl transferase

The enzyme that catalyzes peptide bond formation between amino acids during protein synthesis in the ribosome.

Signal peptide

A short peptide present at the beginning of the protein sequence that directs the transport of the polypeptide to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Translocation

The process in which the ribosome moves the mRNA so that the tRNA in the A-site shifts to the P-site after peptide bond formation.

Eukaryotic transcription initiation

Requires the binding of several transcription factors to the promoter and enhancer regions allowing RNA Polymerase II to attach.

Covalent bonding in tRNA maturation

Involves the attachment of the carboxyl group of amino acids to the 3' hydroxyl end of tRNA molecules.

Polypeptide synthesis

The process by which amino acids are linked together to form proteins through peptide bonds catalyzed by ribosomes.

Ribosomal P site

The site on the ribosome where the tRNA carrying the growing polypeptide chain is located during translation.