Protein Synthesis and Transcription Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to protein synthesis and transcription, aiding in study and understanding of the material.

Transcription

The process of copying genetic information from DNA to RNA.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides that corresponds to a specific amino acid.

mRNA (messenger RNA)

Carries the genetic information from the nucleus to the ribosome.

tRNA (transfer RNA)

Carries amino acids to the ribosome and transfers them to the growing polypeptide chain.

rRNA (ribosomal RNA)

Makes up ribosomes and helps assemble proteins.

DNA vs RNA

DNA is double-stranded with a deoxyribose sugar, while RNA is single-stranded with a ribose sugar.

Nucleotide

The monomer of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogenous base.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins; there are 20 different amino acids.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids that forms a protein.

Ribosome

Cellular structure where protein synthesis occurs.

ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

A single nucleotide used for energy.

Uracil (U)

A nitrogenous base found in RNA that pairs with adenine.

Translation

The process where mRNA is decoded to build a protein.

Genetic Code

The set of rules by which information encoded in mRNA is translated into amino acids.

Ribonucleotides

The building blocks of RNA, consisting of a ribose sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Template

The DNA strand that serves as a guide for synthesizing the complementary strand of RNA.