Transcription and Translation Processes in Genetics

Gene

Unit of heredity coding for traits.

Transcription

Process of synthesizing RNA from DNA.

Translation

Process of synthesizing proteins from RNA.

Amino Acid

Building blocks of proteins.

Polypeptide

Chain of amino acids forming proteins.

One Gene One Protein Hypothesis

Each gene codes for a single protein.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, single-stranded nucleic acid.

mRNA

Messenger RNA, carries genetic information.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA, component of ribosomes.

tRNA

Transfer RNA, brings amino acids to ribosomes.

RNA Polymerase

Enzyme synthesizing RNA from DNA template.

Promoter

DNA sequence where RNA polymerase binds.

TATA Box

Common promoter sequence in eukaryotes.

Introns

Non-coding segments removed from pre-mRNA.

Exons

Coding segments retained in mRNA.

Spliceosome

Complex that removes introns from pre-mRNA.

Ribozymes

RNA molecules with enzymatic activity.

Codon

Three-nucleotide sequence coding for an amino acid.

Anticodon

tRNA sequence complementary to mRNA codon.

Ribosome

Molecular machine synthesizing proteins from mRNA.

Polyribosome

Multiple ribosomes translating one mRNA simultaneously.

Initiation Factors

Proteins aiding ribosome assembly during translation.

Stop Codon

Signals termination of protein synthesis.

Release Factor

Protein that terminates translation at stop codon.

Point Mutation

Change in a single base pair.

Substitution Mutation

One base-pair altered, may affect protein.

Frameshift Mutation

Insertions or deletions altering reading frame.

Silent Mutation

Mutation with no effect on amino acid.

Missense Mutation

Mutation resulting in different amino acid.

Nonsense Mutation

Mutation creating a premature stop codon.

Polyadenylation Signal

Sequence signaling termination and processing of RNA.

Transcription Factors

Proteins regulating transcription initiation.

RNA Processing

Modification of RNA before translation.

Elongation

Process of lengthening RNA during transcription.

Termination Sequence

DNA sequence signaling end of transcription.

Alternative RNA Splicing

Different exons combined to produce varied proteins.

Methionine

First amino acid in protein synthesis.

GTP

Energy source for translation initiation.

5' Cap

Modified guanine added to mRNA for protection.

Poly-A Tail

String of adenine nucleotides added to mRNA.