0206 Central Dogma Flashcards
•The central dogma (information flow) ▫DNA – RNA - PROTEIN •Transcription is the production of RNA from a DNA template by the RNA polymerase •Translation is the conversion of mRNA into protein •Genes contain the information of the DNA used to make proteins •The genetic code is read by the ribosome in triplet bases (a codon) to produce a chain of amino acids – Polypeptide chain or protein.
Briefly describe the central dogma
DNA undergoes transcription to become RNA. RNA undergoes translation to become a protein
What is DNA
DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid. It is the hereditary material located within the nucleus of all cells. It is the blueprint for all genetic information in our body
What is DNA located
DNA is found in the nucleus
What is the structure of DNA
2 long polymers of nucleotides in the structure of a double helix with backbones made of sugars and phosphate groups
What do Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C) and thymine (T) bind to?
DNA to RNA = G-C, A-U, T-A, C-G
RNA to protein = G-C, U-A, A-T, C-G
What is RNA
RNA is similar to DNA (a long macromolecule of nucleic acids) but it is single stranded and is produced from DNA
What is a codon and what is its genetic function
Codons are 3 nucleotides in a row (DNA or RNA). Codons are read and interpreted to build amino acids and combinations of codons/amino acids form proteins
What is transcription
Transcription is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA
What are the 3 phases of transcription
Initiation. RNA polymerase unwinds section of DNA
Elongation. RNA polymerase produces pre-mRNA
Termination. Polymerase releases a completerd pre-mRNA
Where in the cell does the transcription process occur
In the nucleus of the cell
What is translation
Translation is the process of protein synthesis in the cytoplasm by a ribosome
Briefly describe the process of translation
RNA leaves nucleus and a ribosome subsequently attaches to it. Transfer RNA (tRNA) transfers amino acids one by one to ribosome based on the codon sequences. Eventually a popypeptide chain is formed!
What is the defition of a gene
A gene is a portion of the genetic code with codes for a protein or functional RNA
What is RNA splicing
RNA splicing is modification of the mRNA before it leaves the nucleus. Introns are removed and exons are joined together
