Genetic Processes, DNA Replication, Transcription, Translation, and Mendelian Genetics- Week 2

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining key terms and concepts related to nucleic acids, DNA replication, transcription, translation, and basic genetics from the lecture.

Nucleotide

A single monomer component of nucleic acids, formed by a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Codon

A sequence of 3 consecutive bases on RNA that acts as a code for 1 specific amino acid.

Replication

The process occurring inside the nucleus that creates an exact copy of DNA from DNA.

Transcription

The DNA-directed synthesis process occurring inside the nucleus that produces RNA from DNA.

Translation

The process carried out by ribosomes outside the nucleus that produces proteins from an mRNA template.

Sites of Origin

Specific locations along a chromosome where parental DNA strands separate and replication begins.

Leading Strand

The newly synthesized DNA strand that is automatically assembled continuously in the 5' to 3' direction.

Lagging Strand

The newly synthesized DNA strand that works backwards in chunks during replication.

Okazaki Fragments

Discontinuous chunks of newly synthesized DNA formed on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

Primer

A short sequence added to DNA that acts as a lock-on point for building proteins during replication.

Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix during replication.

DNA Polymerase III

An enzyme responsible for adding new nucleotides to the growing DNA strand during replication.

Ligase

An enzyme that joins Okazaki fragments together and fills in gaps during DNA replication.

Primase

An enzyme that adds short primers to initiate DNA replication.

DNA Polymerase I

An enzyme that cleans up primers and corrects fixes during DNA replication.

Mismatch Repair

A repair mechanism where specific repair enzymes remove and replace incorrectly inserted bases.

Excision Repair

A repair mechanism in which nucleases cut out and replace damaged stretches of DNA.

Promoter

A specific sequence of DNA that marks the start point of a gene where transcription begins.

Termination Site

A sequence of DNA that determines where the transcription of a gene ends.

RNA Polymerase

The primary enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template strand during transcription.

Introns

Intragenic non-coding sections of RNA that are cut out and removed during splicing.

Exons

Expressed sections of RNA that remain in the mature mRNA sequence after splicing.

tRNA

Transfer RNA molecules that carry specific amino acids to match corresponding codons on mRNA during translation.

Punnett Square

A mathematical tool used to estimate Mendelian genetic probabilities.