Flashcard terms chp 14

Gene Expression: The process by which genetic information in a gene is used to produce a functional product, typically a protein.

Transcription: The synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, where RNA polymerase links RNA nucleotides complementary to the DNA template strand.

Messenger RNA (mRNA): The RNA molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where it specifies the amino acid sequence of the protein.

Translation: The process where the sequence of an mRNA is decoded to produce a polypeptide, which folds into a functional protein.

Ribosomes: Cellular structures where translation occurs, facilitating the binding of tRNA and mRNA to synthesize proteins.

Primary Transcript: The initial RNA transcript synthesized from the DNA template, which undergoes processing to become mRNA.

Triplet Code: The genetic code where three nucleotide bases (codon) in mRNA specify an amino acid.

Template Strand: The DNA strand that serves as the template for RNA synthesis during transcription.

Codons: Triplets of nucleotides in mRNA that specify particular amino acids or stop signals during translation.

Reading Frame: The way nucleotides in mRNA are grouped into codons for translation, starting from a specific nucleotide.

RNA Polymerase: The enzyme that synthesizes RNA by linking RNA nucleotides complementary to the DNA template.

Promoter: A DNA sequence where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.

Terminator: A DNA sequence that signals the end of transcription.

Transcription Unit: The stretch of DNA transcribed into an RNA molecule.

Start Point: The nucleotide where RNA polymerase begins RNA synthesis.

Transcription Factors: Proteins that help RNA polymerase bind to the promoter and initiate transcription.

Transfer RNA (tRNA): RNA molecules that carry amino acids to the ribosome and match them to the coded mRNA message.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): RNA molecules that form the core of ribosome’s structure and catalyze protein synthesis.

Mutation: A change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA.

Point Mutation: A mutation affecting a single nucleotide pair.

Nucleotide Pair Substitution: Replacement of one nucleotide pair with another.

Silent Mutation: A mutation that does not change the amino acid sequence of a protein.

Missense Mutation: A mutation that changes one amino acid in a protein.

Nonsense Mutation: A mutation that creates a stop codon, leading to a truncated protein.

Insertion: Addition of one or more nucleotide pairs in a gene.

Deletion: Loss of one or more nucleotide pairs in a gene.

Frameshift Mutation: Insertions or deletions that alter the reading frame of the gene.

Mutagen: An agent that causes mutations.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]