Chapter 15 - The Genetic Code and Translation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts from Chapter 15 about the genetic code and translation, helping to reinforce understanding in preparation for exams.

Isolated Congenital Asplenia (ISA)

A genetic condition where a person is born without a spleen, associated with specific genetic mutations affecting translation.

One Gene, One Enzyme Hypothesis

The idea that each gene encodes a specific enzyme, later refined to 'one gene, one polypeptide hypothesis'.

Auxotrophic Mutants

Organisms that cannot synthesize a particular compound required for growth, as shown in Beadle and Tatum's experiments with Neurospora.

Homopolymer

A nucleic acid polymer made of the same nucleotide repeated, used in experiments to decipher the genetic code.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that encodes an amino acid.

Degenerate Code

A description of the genetic code whereby a single amino acid can be specified by more than one codon.

Peptide Bond

The bond formed between amino acids during protein synthesis, catalyzed by rRNA in the ribosome.

Translation Initiation

The phase of translation where the ribosome assembles around the mRNA, and the first tRNA carrying an amino acid binds.

Polyribosome

A cluster of ribosomes bound to the same mRNA strand, allowing for simultaneous translation.

Release Factors

Proteins that bind to the ribosome during termination of translation, facilitating the release of the newly synthesized polypeptide.

Wobble Hypothesis

The idea that the pairing between the third nucleotide of a codon and the first nucleotide of the corresponding anticodon can be less stringent.

Signal Sequence

Short amino acid sequences that direct the delivery of proteins to specific intracellular destinations.

Initiation Codon (AUG)

The codon that signals the start of protein translation and codes for Methionine.

Termination Codon

Codons that signal the end of translation; UAA, UAG, and UGA.

Isoaccepting tRNAs

Different tRNAs that can accept the same amino acid but have different anticodons.