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Molecular biology > 4_Transcription_Translation_Flashcards > Flashcards

4_Transcription_Translation_Flashcards

1
Q

What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

A

DNA → RNA → Protein.

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2
Q

What are the two main processes involved in the central dogma?

A

Transcription (DNA to RNA) and Translation (RNA to Protein).

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3
Q

Why are proteins essential for life?

A

They fight disease, build tissues, act as enzymes, and serve as signals.

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4
Q

What determines a protein’s structure and function?

A

The unique sequence of its 20 possible amino acids.

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5
Q

What is transcription?

A

The process of synthesizing mRNA from a DNA template.

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6
Q

Where does transcription occur in eukaryotes?

A

In the nucleus.

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7
Q

What percentage of the human genome is transcribed into mRNA?

A

Less than 2%.

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8
Q

What carries the genetic code from the nucleus to the cytoplasm?

A

Messenger RNA (mRNA).

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9
Q

What is the role of RNA polymerase?

A

To transcribe DNA into mRNA.

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10
Q

What are transcription factors?

A

Proteins that regulate the initiation of transcription.

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11
Q

What is the function of a promoter region?

A

It binds RNA polymerase to initiate transcription.

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12
Q

What are introns and exons?

A

Introns are non-coding regions, and exons are coding sequences.

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13
Q

What happens during initiation?

A

RNA polymerase binds to the promoter, and DNA unwinds.

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14
Q

What happens during elongation?

A

RNA polymerase synthesizes mRNA in the 5’ to 3’ direction.

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15
Q

What signals the end of transcription?

A

A termination signal in the DNA.

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16
Q

What is added to the 5’ end of mRNA?

A

A 7-methylguanosine cap.

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17
Q

What is added to the 3’ end of mRNA?

A

A poly(A) tail.

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18
Q

What is splicing?

A

The removal of introns and joining of exons in pre-mRNA.

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19
Q

What is alternative splicing?

A

Producing multiple protein variants from one gene.

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20
Q

What is translation?

A

The process of converting mRNA into a protein.

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21
Q

Where does translation occur?

A

In the ribosome.

22
Q

What are the three main steps of translation?

A

Initiation, elongation, and termination.

23
Q

What is the role of tRNA in translation?

A

It carries amino acids to the ribosome.

24
Q

What is a codon?

A

A three-nucleotide sequence that codes for an amino acid.

25
Q

How many codons specify amino acids?

A

61 codons.

26
Q

What are the stop codons?

A

UAA, UAG, UGA.

27
Q

Is the genetic code universal?

A

Yes, nearly all organisms use the same code.

28
Q

What happens during initiation?

A

The small ribosomal subunit binds to mRNA, and the first tRNA pairs with the start codon.

29
Q

What happens during elongation?

A

Amino acids are added one by one, forming a polypeptide chain.

30
Q

What happens during termination?

A

A stop codon signals the release of the polypeptide.

31
Q

What modifications occur after translation?

A

Folding, chemical group additions, and cleavage into smaller peptides.

32
Q

Why are post-translational modifications important?

A

They ensure the protein’s proper function and activity.

33
Q

Where does transcription occur in prokaryotes?

A

In the cytoplasm.

34
Q

Where does transcription occur in eukaryotes?

A

In the nucleus.

35
Q

Do prokaryotes modify their mRNA after transcription?

A

No, the primary transcript is the mature mRNA.

36
Q

What type of mRNA do prokaryotes produce?

A

Polycistronic mRNA (one mRNA can encode multiple proteins).

37
Q

What is an ORF?

A

A sequence of DNA with a start codon, stop codon, and potential to code for a protein.

38
Q

Why are ORFs important?

A

They help identify coding regions in DNA.

39
Q

What is the central enzyme in transcription?

A

RNA polymerase.

40
Q

What molecule brings amino acids to the ribosome?

A

Transfer RNA (tRNA).

41
Q

What is the first amino acid in protein synthesis?

A

Methionine (coded by AUG).

42
Q

How is mRNA stabilized in eukaryotes?

A

By a 5’ cap and poly(A) tail.

43
Q

What are ribosomes made of?

A

rRNA and proteins.

44
Q

Where are ribosomes found?

A

In the cytoplasm and on the rough ER.

45
Q

What are the ribosome’s functional sites?

A

A-site (aminoacyl), P-site (peptidyl), and E-site (exit).

46
Q

How does tRNA ensure accuracy in translation?

A

By matching its anticodon to the mRNA codon.

47
Q

What is the role of enhancers and silencers?

A

To regulate transcription by increasing or decreasing gene expression.

48
Q

What is polyadenylation?

A

The addition of a poly(A) tail to mRNA’s 3’ end for stability.

49
Q

What are transcription factors?

A

Proteins that control the rate of gene transcription.

50
Q

What is the function of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?

A

It forms the core of the ribosome’s structure and catalyzes protein synthesis.

Molecular biology (10 decks)

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