Gene Expression and Protein Synthesis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to gene expression and protein synthesis, including transcription, translation, and the roles of different molecules involved in these processes.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process of converting the information in RNA into a sequence of amino acids to form a protein.

RNA polymerase

The enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in RNA that encodes a specific amino acid.

Housekeeping genes

Genes that are constantly expressed in all cells because they are necessary for basic cellular function.

mRNA

Messenger RNA; the type of RNA that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

tRNA

Transfer RNA; the type of RNA that brings amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

Anticodon

The sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that is complementary to a codon in mRNA.

Amino acids

The building blocks of proteins, 20 different types are used to make proteins.

Genetic code

The set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material is translated into proteins.

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

Initiation

The first stage of transcription where RNA polymerase binds to a promoter to start RNA synthesis.

Elongation

The phase of transcription where the RNA strand gets longer as RNA polymerase adds nucleotides.

Termination

The final phase of transcription where RNA polymerase stops transcription and releases the RNA strand.

Polypeptide chain

A chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds; another term for protein before it folds into its functional shape.