Campbell Biology Chapter 17: Gene Expression

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to gene expression, protein synthesis, and mutations based on the lecture notes from Campbell Biology.

Gene

A discrete unit of inheritance; a specific nucleotide sequence in a chromosome that codes for a specific polypeptide chain.

Gene expression

The process by which DNA directs protein synthesis, including the stages of transcription and translation.

Transcription

The synthesis of RNA using information in DNA; produces messenger RNA (mRNA).

Translation

The synthesis of a polypeptide, using information in the mRNA to build proteins.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds that forms a protein.

Amino acids

The building blocks of proteins; there are 20 different amino acids that can be combined in various sequences.

Peptide bond

A covalent bond formed between two amino acids during protein synthesis.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that specifies an amino acid.

Anticodon

A sequence of three nucleotides on tRNA that pairs with the corresponding codon on mRNA.

Intron

A non-coding segment of DNA that is removed during RNA processing.

Exon

A coding sequence in DNA that is transcribed into mRNA and expressed in proteins.

Ribosome

The cellular structure where protein synthesis takes place, composed of rRNA and proteins.

Mutagen

An agent that causes mutations in DNA, which can lead to cancer or genetic disorders.

Frameshift mutation

A genetic mutation caused by the insertion or deletion of nucleotides that shifts the reading frame.

Point mutation

A mutation that involves a change in a single nucleotide pair in DNA.

Retrovirus

A type of virus that uses reverse transcription to replicate, converting RNA into DNA.

Central dogma of molecular biology

The framework describing the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins.

Guanosine triphosphate (GTP)

A nucleotide involved in energy transfer and protein synthesis.

tRNA (transfer RNA)

A type of RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

mRNA (messenger RNA)

Single-stranded RNA that carries genetic information from DNA in the nucleus to ribosomes.

Post-transcriptional modification

Processes that modify RNA after transcription, such as capping, polyadenylation, and splicing.