Bio Trancrption adn tranlation notes

Protein Synthesis

The process by which cells use the genetic code to build proteins that perform cellular functions.

Transcription

The process of copying DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA) inside the nucleus.

Translation

The process of reading mRNA by ribosomes to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide.

DNA

A double-stranded helix that contains the genetic information, with bases A, T, C, G.

Triplet Code

Three DNA bases that code for one amino acid.

Gene

A section of DNA that codes for a polypeptide.

RNA Polymerase

The enzyme that binds to the promoter region of a gene to initiate transcription.

mRNA

Messenger RNA that carries the genetic code from DNA to ribosomes.

Codon

A three-base sequence on mRNA that codes for an amino acid.

Anticodon

A three-base sequence on tRNA that is complementary to a codon on mRNA.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.

Gene Expression

The process of turning DNA into a protein.

Splicing

The process of removing introns from pre-mRNA and joining exons to form mature mRNA.

Template Strand

The DNA strand used by RNA polymerase to synthesize mRNA.

Coding Strand

The DNA strand that has the same sequence as mRNA, except that T is replaced with U.

5′ Cap and Poly-A Tail

Modifications added to mRNA for stability and protection during processing.

Initiation of Translation

The stage where the ribosome binds to mRNA at the start codon (AUG = methionine).

Elongation of Translation

The stage where tRNAs bring amino acids to the ribosome and peptide bonds form between them.

Termination of Translation

The stage where the ribosome reaches a stop codon and releases the polypeptide.

Alternative Splicing

A process allowing a single gene to produce multiple proteins by joining exons in different combinations.