Gene Transcription and RNA Modification

This set of flashcards covers vocabulary related to gene transcription and RNA modification, extracting key terms and definitions necessary for understanding the biological processes involved.

Central Dogma

The process by which DNA is transcribed into RNA and then translated into proteins.

Promoter

A specific sequence of nucleotides that confirms the initiation of transcription.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Template Strand

The strand of DNA that serves as a template for RNA synthesis.

Coding Strand

The DNA strand that contains the coding sequence and has the same sequence as the RNA transcript (except for thymine being replaced with uracil).

Sigma Factor

A protein that binds to RNA polymerase and helps it recognize the promoter region of DNA.

Rho-Dependent Termination

A method of terminating transcription in bacteria where the rho protein binds to the RNA and helps displace RNA polymerase.

Stem Loop Structure

A formation in RNA that can cause RNA polymerase to pause during transcription.

TATA Box

A conserved sequence found in eukaryotic promoters that helps position RNA polymerase correctly.

Basal Level of Transcription

The minimal level of transcription accomplished by a promoter without regulatory factors.

Regulatory Sequence

DNA sequences that influence the binding of proteins that regulate transcription levels.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids that folds to form proteins, often synthesized based on mRNA instructions.

Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA)

RNA molecules longer than 200 nucleotides that do not encode proteins but have roles in regulating gene expression.

Termination Sequence

A DNA sequence that signals the end of transcription.

Hairpin

A specific type of stem loop structure formed in RNA that can contribute to the termination of transcription.

Eukaryotic RNA Polymerases

Three types of RNA polymerases in eukaryotes, each responsible for transcribing different types of RNA.

Consensus Sequence

A sequence of DNA that is similar across different genes and serves as a binding site for proteins.