Protein Sythesis and Mutations

Adenine

A base in DNA and RNA that pairs with thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA.

Amino Acid

The building blocks of proteins, like the pieces of a puzzle.

Anticodon

A set of three bases on tRNA that matches with a codon on mRNA during protein synthesis.

Base

The parts of DNA and RNA that hold the genetic code (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine, and uracil).

Cell

The smallest unit of life that makes up all living things.

Chromosome

A structure made of DNA that contains genes, found in the nucleus of cells.

Codon

A group of three bases on mRNA that codes for one amino acid.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like fluid inside a cell where cell processes happen.

Cytosine

A base in DNA and RNA that pairs with guanine.

Deletion

A type of mutation where one or more DNA bases are left out or removed from the sequence.

Deoxyribose

The sugar found in DNA molecules.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

The molecule that carries genetic instructions for life.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth & Rough)

Cell structures where materials are made; rough ER has ribosomes, and smooth ER does not.

Gene

A section of DNA that contains instructions to make a protein.

Golgi Apparatus

A cell structure that packages and ships proteins and other materials.

Guanine

A base in DNA and RNA that pairs with cytosine.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak bond between bases in DNA that holds the strands together.

Insertion

A type of mutation where extra DNA bases are added into the sequence.

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

A molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein making.

Mutagen

Any physical or chemical agent that causes changes (mutations) in DNA.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can alter how a gene works.

Nuclear Membrane

A barrier around the nucleus that protects the DNA inside.

Nucleic Acid

Molecules like DNA and RNA that store and transfer genetic information.

Nucleotide

The building blocks of DNA and RNA, made of a sugar, a phosphate, and a base.

Nucleus

The part of a cell where DNA is stored and protected.

Peptide Bond

The link between amino acids in a protein.

Phosphate

A part of DNA and RNA that helps form their structure.

Point mutation

A small change in DNA that affects only one base pair.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids that becomes a protein.

Protein Synthesis

The process of making proteins in cells using DNA instructions.

Ribose

The sugar found in RNA molecules.

Ribosome

The part of a cell where proteins are made.

RNA

A molecule that helps make proteins using the instructions in DNA.

rRNA (Ribosomal RNA)

A type of RNA that makes up ribosomes.

Start Codon

The codon (AUG) that signals where protein synthesis begins.

Stop Codon

A codon that signals the end of protein synthesis.

Substitution

A type of point mutation where one base in the DNA is replaced by another.

Thymine

A base in DNA that pairs with adenine (replaced by uracil in RNA).

Transcription

The process of copying DNA into mRNA.

Translation

The process of making proteins from mRNA at a ribosome.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

A molecule that brings amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

Uracil

A base in RNA that pairs with adenine (replaces thymine from DNA).

Vesicle

A small bubble in cells that transports materials.