DNA Biology Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from a lecture on DNA biology, including RNA structure and function, gene expression, transcription, translation, and related processes.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid that contains the five-carbon sugar ribose, uses the base uracil instead of thymine, is single-stranded, and includes mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

Produced in the nucleus from a DNA template and carries the genetic message to ribosomes.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Produced in the nucleus from a DNA template and transfers amino acids to ribosomes, with each type carrying only one type of amino acid.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

Produced in the nucleolus of the nucleus from a DNA template and joins with proteins to form ribosomes.

Gene Expression

The making of a product from the instructions within the bases of DNA, taking place in two steps: transcription and translation.

Transcription

The process where DNA serves as a template to make mRNA through complementary base pairing.

Translation

The process where mRNA directs the sequence of amino acids in a protein with the assistance of rRNA and tRNA.

Triplet

The 3-nucleotide sequence in DNA.

Codon

The 3-nucleotide sequence in mRNA that encodes a single amino acid.

mRNA Processing

The process where newly made pre-mRNA is processed in the nucleus, including capping, addition of a poly-A tail, removal of introns, and alternative splicing.

Anticodon

On tRNA, a group of 3 bases complementary to a specific codon of mRNA.

Ribosome

Composed of proteins and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), it is the site of translation or protein synthesis, made up of two subunits (large and small).

Initiation

The phase of translation where mRNA binds to the small subunit ribosome, followed by the joining of the large subunit to form the functional ribosome unit.

Elongation

The phase of translation where the peptide chain lengthens one amino acid at a time, with amino acids joined by a peptide bond.

Termination

The phase of translation where one of three stop codons binds to the ribosome, a release factor is added, and ribosomal subunits and mRNA dissociate, releasing the complete polypeptide.