DNA, RNA, & Protein Synthesis

makeup of nucleic acids

C, H, N, O, P, S

DNA

store genetic info

RNA

transmitting genetic info

DNA makeup

double stranded, deoxyribose, in nucleus, ATCG bases

RNA makeup

single stranded, ribose, in nucleus and ribosomes, AUCG bases

mRNA

messenger RNA; carries instructions from DNA to ribosomes

tRNA

transfer RNA; brings amino acids to ribosomes

chromatin

DNA and protein packed together to form eukaryotic chromosomes

replication

duplication of DNA to ensure each cell has a complete set of DNA

DNA helicase

enzyme that unzips the two DNA strands

DNA polymerase

forms new strands by adding complementary bases to each original strand

mutation

when mistakes in DNA replication occur

genes

coded instructions that control production of proteins

rRNA

molecule in cells that forms part of ribosomes

transcription

produces mRNA by copying part of the nucleotide sequence of DNA

protein synthesis

transcription and translation

RNA polymerase

binds to a gene and two DNA strands unwind and separate; at end of gene both DNA and RNA are released

codon

three consecutive nucleotides on mRNA that specify a particular amino acid

translation

decoding of mRNA into a protein

frameshift mutations

insertion and deletion

point mutations

substitution