(146) DNA, Hot Pockets, & The Longest Word Ever: Crash Course Biology #11

Titin

The longest known protein in the world, helping to give springiness to muscles.

Transcription

The process of copying DNA instruction manual gene by gene onto RNA.

RNA Polymerase

The enzyme responsible for copying DNA into mRNA during transcription.

Promoter

A sequence that defines where the transcription unit begins, often containing specific nitrogenous base sequences.

TATA Box

A common promoter sequence consisting of alternating thymine and adenine bases that helps RNA polymerase bind to DNA.

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

The RNA copy that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

RNA Splicing

The process of editing RNA to remove introns and join exons before it leaves the nucleus.

Exons

The coding segments of RNA that are expressed and translated into proteins.

Introns

Non-coding segments of RNA that are removed during RNA splicing.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

RNA that translates the nucleotide sequence of mRNA into the amino acid sequence of proteins.

Codon

A sequence of three nitrogenous bases in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid.

Anticodon

A sequence of three complementary bases on tRNA that pairs with the codon on mRNA.

Primary Structure

The linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Secondary Structure

The folding or coiling of a polypeptide chain into structures like alpha helices and beta pleated sheets due to hydrogen bonding.

Tertiary Structure

The three-dimensional shape formed by interactions among various R groups in a polypeptide.

Quaternary Structure

The overall protein structure formed by the assembly of multiple polypeptide chains.