Biological Processes of mRNA and Translation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the processes of mRNA, transcription, translation, and protein synthesis.

Alternate mRNAs

The process through which one gene can code for multiple proteins by varying which exons are included in the mRNA.

Intron

Non-coding sequences in mRNA that are removed during RNA splicing.

Exon

Coding sequences in mRNA that remain after splicing and are joined together.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template, occurring in the nucleus.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA, occurring in the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

Ribosome

The molecular machine that translates mRNA into protein, consisting of a large and small subunit.

Peptide bond

The covalent bond formed between amino acids during protein synthesis.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

Dipeptide

A molecule consisting of two amino acids linked by a peptide bond.

tRNA (transfer RNA)

The type of RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.

Start codon

The codon (AUG) that signals the start of protein synthesis.

Stop codon

Codons that signal the termination of protein synthesis (UAA, UAG, UGA).

Wobble hypothesis

The idea that the third nucleotide in a codon can vary without affecting the amino acid being produced.

Poly-A tail

A stretch of adenine nucleotides added to the 3' end of mRNA, influencing its stability and translation.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The framework describing the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

Anticodon

A sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that is complementary to a codon in mRNA.

Ligase

An enzyme that facilitates the joining of DNA strands together by forming phosphodiester bonds.

Disulfide bond

A covalent bond formed between two cysteine residues in proteins, contributing to protein structure.

Hydrolysis

The chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water; the reverse of condensation.

Amino acid

The building blocks of proteins, characterized by an amine group, a carboxylic acid group, and a unique side chain.