DNA Replication, Transcription, and Translation Review

A comprehensive set of vocabulary cards covering DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing, translation, and genetic mutations based on a Jeopardy review format.

Semiconservative replication

The model of DNA replication where each parent strand is used as a complete template for $2$ new daughter strands.

Topoisomerase

The enzyme that relieves twisting strain ahead of the replication fork by breaking and rejoining DNA strands.

Okazaki fragments

Short DNA fragments that are synthesized discontinuously on the lagging strand.

Single-strand binding proteins (SSBPs)

Proteins that stabilize separated DNA strands during replication.

$5'$ to $3'$

The only direction in which DNA polymerase can add nucleotides.

RNA

The molecule that serves as the bridge between DNA and protein.

Promoter

A region located immediately upstream of a gene that binds RNA polymerase for transcription initiation.

Template strand

The strand of DNA read by RNA polymerase during transcription.

Nucleus

The cellular location where transcription occurs in eukaryotes.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that help recruit and position RNA polymerase at the promoter for transcription initiation.

Introns

Non-coding regions removed from pre-mRNA during splicing.

$5'$ cap

The first RNA modification added shortly after transcription begins.

PolyA tail

A $3'$ RNA modification that protects the mRNA from degradation.

Alternative splicing

A process that allows one gene to produce multiple protein variants by combining exons differently.

snRNPs

Ribonucleoprotein complexes that perform splicing in eukaryotic cells.

Codon

A $3$-nucleotide sequence that codes for a specific amino acid.

tRNA

The RNA molecule that carries amino acids to the ribosome.

Release factor

The molecule that binds stop codons during translation termination instead of a tRNA.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

The organelle bound by ribosomes translating proteins destined for secretion.

A, P, and E sites

The $3$ ribosomal binding sites for tRNAs.

Missense mutation

A type of mutation that changes one amino acid into another.

Nonsense mutation

A type of mutation that introduces a premature stop codon.

Frameshift mutation

A type of mutation caused by insertions or deletions not divisible by $3$.

Proofreading

A built-in capability of DNA polymerase that subjects replication to a high level of accuracy and greatly reduces replication errors.

Wobble base

The specific base of the codon where mutations often result in silent mutations.