Genetic Mutations and Protein Synthesis Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to genetic mutations and protein synthesis.

Deletion

A mutation in a gene where a base pair is removed (deleted).

Exon

Sequence present in protein-coding mRNA after completion of pre-mRNA splicing.

Frameshift

When a mutation causes the reading frame of the mRNA to shift.

Insertion

When a new nucleotide is added (inserted) into the gene.

Intron

Non-protein-coding intervening sequences that are spliced from mRNA during processing in eukaryotes.

Missense mutation

Mutation that changes what amino acid is coded for.

Nonsense mutation

Mutation that causes a premature stop codon.

Operon

A set of adjacent structural genes whose mRNA is synthesized in one piece, plus the adjacent regulatory elements that affect transcription of the structural genes (promoter and operator).

Polyadenylation

Modification added to the 3' end of the pre-mRNA from degradation and assist mRNA export from the nucleus.

Promoter

DNA sequence upstream of a gene to which RNA polymerase and associated transcription factors bind and initiate transcription.

Silent Mutation

Mutation that does not change what amino acid is coded for.

Splicing

Process of removing introns and reconnecting exons in a pre-mRNA.

TATA box

Conserved promoter sequence in eukaryotes and prokaryotes that helps to establish the initiation site for transcription.

Transduction

Viral gene delivery.

Transfection

Getting DNA into the cells using a method other than a virus.

Post translational protein modification

Any modifications to proteins after translation, including acetylation, glycosylation, lipidation, ubiquitin addition, and phosphorylation.

Ribosome Binding Sites

E – Exit site, P – Peptidyl site where peptide bonds are formed, A - Amino acyl-tRNA binding site where tRNA brings new amino acids.

Primary structure

The linear sequence of amino acids that make up the protein.

Secondary structure

Structures formed by hydrogen bonding, which can be alpha helices or beta sheets.

Tertiary structure

The three-dimensional shape of a protein, stabilized by various types of bonds.

Quaternary structure

The structure formed when multiple protein subunits combine.

ORI

Origin of replication, required for plasmid to be passed to daughter cells.

lac Promoter

Required to induce transcription of plasmid.

lacZ'

Used to identify colonies with the target plasmid.

ampR

Ampicillin resistance, used to identify colonies that have taken up a plasmid.

Polylinker

Cut sites in a plasmid that allow for the insertion of new genes.

Nutrient Broth, Ampicillin, IPTG

Components added to a plate to identify successful gene transfer.

Northern Blot

Technique used to detect RNA.

Southern Blot

Technique used to detect DNA.

Western Blot

Technique used to detect proteins.

Probe

Molecule used to detect specific sequences of RNA/DNA or antibodies.