Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to nucleic acids, protein synthesis, and associated processes in molecular biology.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information, including DNA and RNA.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

A molecule composed of two strands that carry genetic instructions used in growth, development, functioning, and reproduction.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

Single-stranded nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis and gene expression.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

Complementary Base Pairs

Pairs of nitrogenous bases that bond specifically – adenine with thymine (DNA) or uracil (RNA) and guanine with cytosine.

Peptide Bond

A covalent bond formed between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA templates.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, often proteins.

Alternative Splicing

A process by which different combinations of exons are joined together to produce multiple protein variants from a single gene.

Codon

A three-nucleotide sequence on mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid.

Amino Acids

Organic compounds that combine to form proteins; building blocks of proteins.

R-group (Side Chain)

The variable group in amino acids that determines their chemical properties.

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

Type of RNA that carries the code from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

Type of RNA that delivers amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

Ribosome

A molecular machine composed of rRNA and proteins that synthesizes proteins by translating mRNA.

5’ Cap

A modified guanine nucleotide added to the 5’ end of mRNA to protect it and assist in ribosome binding.

Poly-A Tail

A stretch of adenine nucleotides added to the 3’ end of mRNA that increases stability and allows export from the nucleus.

Central Dogma

The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins, outlining the processes of transcription and translation.

Promoter

A region of DNA that initiates transcription of a particular gene.

Terminator

A sequence in DNA that signals the end of transcription.