Ap bio Cystic Fibrosis Protein Trafficking

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products, usually proteins.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Purine

A type of nitrogenous base found in DNA and RNA, including adenine and guanine.

Pyrimidine

A type of nitrogenous base found in DNA and RNA, including cytosine, thymine, and uracil.

mRNA

Messenger RNA; a type of RNA that conveys genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

tRNA

Transfer RNA; a type of RNA that brings amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA; a structural component of ribosomes that helps in protein synthesis.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA.

Ribosome

Molecular machines in the cell that facilitate the translation of mRNA into proteins.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.

Codon

A set of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to a specific amino acid.

Amino Acid

The building blocks of proteins, coded for by the genetic code.

Anticodon

A sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that pairs with the complementary codon in mRNA.

Silent mutation

A mutation that does not change the amino acid sequence of a protein.

Frameshift mutation

A mutation caused by insertions or deletions that shift the reading frame of the gene.

Prokaryote

Single-celled organisms without a nucleus, such as bacteria.

Eukaryote

Organisms made up of cells that have a nucleus, including animals, plants, and fungi.

Endomembrane system

A network of membranes in eukaryotic cells that regulate protein and lipid traffic.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell; organelles that generate ATP through cellular respiration.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

A type of endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes, involved in protein synthesis.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

A type of endoplasmic reticulum that lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid synthesis.

Golgi apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion.

Lysosome

An organelle containing digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Vacuole

A storage organelle found in plant cells that can hold various substances.

Chloroplast

An organelle found in plant cells that conducts photosynthesis.