CELS191 Lecture 11: Gene Expression: Transcription

A collection of flashcards based on Lecture 11 of the CELS191 course, focusing on gene expression and transcription.

What does the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology describe?

It describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

What is transcription in molecular biology?

Transcription is the synthesis of a single-stranded RNA molecule from a double-stranded DNA template.

Which enzyme catalyzes transcription?

RNA polymerase catalyzes transcription.

What is the role of the TATA box in gene transcription?

The TATA box is a DNA sequence that indicates where a genetic sequence can be read and decoded, serving as a promoter element.

What are the three stages of transcription?

The three stages of transcription are initiation, elongation, and termination.

What is a gene?

A defined region of DNA that produces a type of RNA molecule that has some function.

What are non-coding RNAs?

Non-coding RNAs are RNA molecules that do not translate into proteins but have roles in regulating gene expression.

In which direction does RNA polymerase synthesize RNA?

RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA in the 5' to 3' direction.

What role do UTRs (UnTranslated Regions) play in gene expression?

UTRs are involved in the regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional and translational levels.

Why are mutations in non-coding regions of DNA potentially harmful?

Mutations in non-coding regions may disrupt normal gene expression and regulation.