ch 12

Translation

Process of converting a nucleotide sequence into a protein sequence.

Start Codon

Methionine AUG, the codon that initiates translation.

Peptide Bond

Bond that connects amino acids in a protein chain.

Transcription

Process of synthesizing mRNA from a DNA template strand.

Unambiguous

Each codon specifies a single amino acid.

Degenerate

Some amino acids are encoded by multiple codons.

Anticodon

Sequence on tRNA that complements mRNA codons.

Wobble Theory

Third base of a codon can vary without affecting the amino acid.

Termination Codons

UAA, UAG, UGA, signal the end of translation.

RNA Polymerase

Enzyme that catalyzes RNA synthesis from a DNA template.

Cistron

DNA section that codes for a polypeptide.

Polycistronic mRNA

mRNA encoding multiple proteins, found in prokaryotes.

RNA Splicing

Process of removing introns from pre-mRNA.

Alternative Splicing

Genes can encode multiple proteins through different splicing patterns.

Insertion/Deletion Editing

Adding or deleting nucleotides in RNA sequences.

Substitution Editing

Altering nucleotides in RNA sequences.