Genetic Transcription and Translation

Flashcards for key concepts in transcription and translation processes of gene expression.

Chromatin

Loose DNA that is easily read.

Chromosomes

Tight DNA that is good for traveling.

Human Genome

Contains 20,000-25,000 genes.

Transcription

The process that occurs first, starting with DNA and ending in RNA.

RNA Polymerase

Enzyme that unzips, reads, and builds single-stranded mRNA.

Nucleus

The part of eukaryotic cells where transcription occurs.

Template strand

The DNA strand running from 3’ to 5’ used to make RNA.

Promotor regions

DNA sequences that indicate where RNA Polymerase should begin transcription.

Terminator regions

DNA sequences that indicate where transcription should stop.

Spliceosomes

Molecular machines that cut out introns and leave exons in mRNA.

5’ cap

A protective feature added to the 5’ end of mRNA.

Translation

The second step in gene expression, occurring in the cytoplasm.

Codons

Three letter sequences in mRNA that are read during translation.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures needed for translation of mRNA into proteins.

Start codon

The first codon (AUG) that ribosomes look for to begin translation.

tRNA

Transfer RNA that brings the correct amino acid during translation.

STOP codon

The codon that signals the end of translation.

Primary structure

The sequence of amino acids that form a protein.

Tertiary structure

The three-dimensional shape of a fully folded protein.

Quaternary structure

The complex formed when multiple polypeptide chains come together in a protein.