Transcription and Translation Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to transcription and translation processes in molecular biology.

Transcription

The process of copying a gene's DNA sequence into RNA.

RNA polymerase

Enzyme that binds to the promoter to initiate transcription.

Promoter

DNA regions where RNA polymerase binds to start transcription.

Elongation in Transcription

Stage where RNA polymerase adds complementary RNA nucleotides.

Termination in Transcription

Stage where the RNA polymerase reaches the terminator sequence and RNA is released.

5′ cap

Modification added to the 5′ end of pre-mRNA during RNA processing.

3′ poly-A tail

Modification added to the 3′ end of pre-mRNA during RNA processing.

Introns

Non-coding sequences removed from pre-mRNA during processing.

Exons

Coding sequences in the mRNA that are spliced together.

Translation

The process of converting mRNA sequence into a chain of amino acids (protein).

Ribosome

Cellular structure that assembles on mRNA to facilitate translation.

tRNA

Transfer RNA that brings amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA that helps catalyze peptide bonds in the ribosome.

Codons

3-base sequences on mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids.

Anticodons

3-base sequences on tRNA that pair with mRNA codons.

Mutation

A change in DNA sequence that may affect protein structure or function.

Silent mutation

A mutation that does not change the amino acid sequence of a protein.

Missense mutation

A mutation that results in a different amino acid being incorporated into a protein.

Nonsense mutation

A mutation that creates a premature stop codon, leading to a truncated protein.

Frameshift mutation

A mutation caused by insertions or deletions of nucleotides that alters the reading frame.

5′ UTR

Untranslated region before the start codon that plays a role in regulation.

3′ UTR

Untranslated region after the stop codon that contributes to mRNA stability.