Gene Expression: The Genetic Code and Transcription

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to gene expression, specifically transcription and the genetic code.

Central Dogma

The principle of directional information flow from DNA to RNA to protein.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA using DNA as a template.

Translation

The synthesis of protein using the information in RNA.

N-terminal

The start of a protein or polypeptide chain; characterized by an amino group.

C-terminal

The end of a protein or polypeptide chain; characterized by a carboxyl group.

Frameshift Mutation

A mutation caused by indel mutations that alters the reading frame of the genetic code.

Degenerate Code

A genetic code in which a particular amino acid can be specified by more than one triplet.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides that corresponds to a specific amino acid.

5' Cap

A modified guanosine nucleotide added to the 5' end of eukaryotic mRNA, aiding in stability and ribosome binding.

Poly(A) Tail

A long stretch of adenines added to the 3' end of eukaryotic mRNA, which protects the mRNA from degradation.

Spliceosome

A large molecular complex that removes introns from pre-mRNA and joins exons together.

Alternative Splicing

The process by which pre-mRNA can be spliced in multiple ways to produce different protein products.

RNA Polymerase

An enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Promoter

A DNA sequence where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.

Termination Signal

A sequence that signals the end of RNA synthesis and causes RNA polymerase to detach.

RNA Processing

Chemical modifications that primary RNA transcripts undergo before they can function, including splicing and the addition of 5' caps and 3' tails.