Transcription and Translation Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to transcription and translation.

Transcription

The process of converting DNA code into mRNA in the nucleus.

Translation

mRNA to protein at the ribosome in the cytoplasm, with the assistance of tRNA.

Chromosomes (in humans)

46

Autosomes (pairs)

22 pairs

Sex-chromosomes (pairs)

1 pair

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid

RNA

Ribonucleic Acid

Triplet/Codon

Sequence of three nucleotides in DNA that helps build the code for a gene.

Amino Acid

Small units that make up protein.

Transcription Bubble

Formed by the unzipping of the gene’s DNA.

mRNA

Messenger RNA - a special copy of the sequence produced during transcription, holding the code to make the protein.

RNA Polymerase

Adds RNA nucleotides during transcription.

Complimentary base pairing (DNA to RNA)

A -> U, T -> A, G -> C, C -> G

tRNA

Transfer RNA - collects and transfers the appropriate amino acid to its matching code on the mRNA during translation.

Ribosome

A special part of the cell that makes proteins; where mRNA attaches during translation.

Nuclear Pore

Pores in the nuclear membrane that mRNA passes through to enter the cytoplasm.

Polypeptide Chain

Amino acids joined together to make a chain which undergoes folding to form a protein.