DNA Transcription and the Central Dogma

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to DNA transcription and the Central Dogma of molecular biology.

Central Dogma

Describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to Protein.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins using the information in mRNA.

Replication

The process of copying DNA to produce two identical DNA molecules.

Codon

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

Reading Frame

The specific way nucleotides are grouped into codons during translation.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins, encoded by specific codons.

RNA Polymerase

Enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA by transcribing DNA.

Template Strand

The strand of DNA used as a guide for RNA synthesis during transcription.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

Type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

Small Nuclear RNA (snRNA)

A type of RNA involved in the processing of mRNA.

Introns

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

Exons

Coding sequences in RNA that are joined together to form mature mRNA.

Spliceosome

Complex responsible for removing introns and joining exons in pre-mRNA.

Alternative Splicing

Process by which different combinations of exons are joined to create multiple protein variants from a single gene.

Termination in Transcription

The process by which RNA polymerase stops transcription at specific sequences.

Ribosome

Cellular machinery that synthesizes proteins by translating mRNA.

5' Cap and Poly-A Tail

Modifications added to mRNA for stability and regulatory purposes.