From DNA to RNA to Protein

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein, including the processes of transcription and translation as presented in the lecture notes.

Gene Expression

The process by which the information stored in DNA is used to produce functional products, primarily proteins.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The framework describing the flow of genetic information: DNA to transcription to RNA to translation to protein.

Transcription

The process of copying genetic information from DNA into messenger RNA ($mRNA$), occurring in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

RNA Polymerase

The enzyme that attaches to the promoter region, breaks DNA strands apart, and adds RNA nucleotides during transcription.

Initiation (Transcription)

The first step of transcription where RNA polymerase attaches to the promoter region.

Elongation (Transcription)

The second step of transcription where RNA nucleotides are added and the $mRNA$ strand grows.

Termination (Transcription)

The final step of transcription where RNA polymerase reaches a stop signal and the $mRNA$ detaches.

Messenger RNA ($mRNA$)

A molecule that carries the genetic message from the nucleus to the ribosome to serve as a template for protein synthesis.

Genes

Segments or small sections of DNA that act as blueprints to make proteins for use throughout the body.

Human Genome Size (Chromosomes)

The estimate that human DNA is composed of approximately $25,000$ genes among its $46$ total chromosomes.

Amino Acids

The smaller units or building blocks that link together to create proteins.

Ribosomes

Organelles consisting of small and large subunits that act as the 'machines' to carry out translation and protein synthesis.

Translation

The process where a ribosome builds a protein by reading the code provided by $mRNA$.

Transfer RNA ($tRNA$)

A molecule that brings specific amino acids to the $mRNA$ and ribosome during protein synthesis.

Anticodon

A sequence on one end of a $tRNA$ molecule that complements a specific $mRNA$ codon.

Codon

A group of $3$ $mRNA$ nucleotides that codes for one specific amino acid.

Initiation (Translation)

The first step in translation where the ribosome binds to the $mRNA$; involves the small ribosomal subunit and initiation factors.

Elongation (Translation)

The second stage in translation where the large ribosomal subunit and elongation factors help the ribosome build the protein sequence.

Termination (Translation)

The final stage where the ribosome reaches a STOP codon and releases the completed protein with the help of a release factor.

Peptide Bond

The bond that forms between amino acids as they are linked together during the translation process.

Amide Bond

Another term for the bond found within a polypeptide chain.

Phosphodiester Bond

The type of bond found in a polynucleotide chain.

STOP Codon

A specific mRNA sequence, such as $UAA$, $UAG$, or $UGA$, that signals the end of protein synthesis.

Start Codon

The mRNA sequence $AUG$, which codes for the amino acid Methionine ($Met$) and signals the beginning of translation.