Chapter 13 - Translation of mRNA

What is translation?

The process in which the sequences of codons within mRNA provides the information to synthesize the sequence of amino acids that constitutes a polypeptide

Some genes code proteins that function as ______

Enzymes

______ are composed of one or more polypeptides, and are critically important as active participants in cell structure and function

Proteins

What are protein-coding genes?

Genes that carry the information to produce mRNA and code the amino acid sequence of polypeptides

The RNA transcribed from a protein-coding gene is called ______

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

Who was the physician that suggested the idea that a relationship between genes and the production of proteins existed?

Archibald Garrod

What is alkaptonuria?

Disease characterized by black urine and bluish black discoloration of cartilage and skin (ochronosis)

What occurs in a patient with alkaptonuria?

The accumulation of abnormal levels of homogentisic acid (also called alkaptn)

What causes alkaptonuria?

Due to the defective enzyme, homogentisic acid oxidase

What is an inborn error of metabolism?

A genetic disorder that involves a defect in a metabolic enzyme

The hypothesis of an inborn error of metabolism suggests a connection exists between the ______ and the ______

1) Function of genes

2) Production of enzymes