BSI Lecture 5-6 Transcription/Translation Flashcards
Define: transcription
The first step in gene expression when a segment of DNA is copied into mRNA by RNA polymerase.
What is the function of RNA polymerase?
Transcribe genes
Which RNA polymerase produces mRNA?
RNA Polymerase II
Promoter
A DNA sequence to which RNA polymerase binds to begin transcription
What are the three phases of gene transcription?
Initiation, Elongation and Termination
What is the role of the ribosome in translation?
Protein synthesis
What is the function of tRNA in the process of translation?
It carries amino acid to the ribosome
What is the role of the A-site in translation?
The A-site in translation is the entrance for tRNA to be tested for codon/anti-codon match with mRNA.
What is the role of the P-site in translation?
P-site receives amino acid from A-site and adds it to the end of the amino acid side chain.
What is the function of peptidyl transferase?
It forms peptide bond between carboxy terminal of polypeptide chain and amino group of new amino acid. Polypeptide grows from amino to carboxy terminus.
What is the function of elongation factors in the process of translation?
Elongation factors increase accuracy and speed of translational process
What are the stop codons?
UAA, UAG, UGA
Does just one codon code for a specific amino acid?
No, more than one codon can code for a specific amino acid.
What end of the mRNA is considered the beginning, 3’ or 5’?
5’
Define the terms 5’ untranslated region (5’ UTR) and 3’ UTR
5’ UTR is the region of a mRNA that is directly upstream of the initiation codon. 3’ UTR is the region that directly follows the translation termination codon.
Name 5 types of covalent post-translational modifications?
glycosylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, hydroxylation, methylation
Genes contain the instructions to:
Synthesize proteins as well as structural and enzymatic RNA molecules
What types of RNA are genes transcribed into?
mRNA, tRNA, and other RNA molecules.
Which is the only type of RNA that can be translated into a protein?
mRNA
What enzyme transcribe genes?
RNA polymerase I, II, and III
What are the functions of RNA polymerase I?
Transcribes most rRNA genes and produces rRNA.
What are the functions of RNA polymerase II?
Transcribes protein-coding genes and produces pre-mRNA
What are the functions of RNA polymerase III
Transcribes tRNA genes, transcribes some rRNA genes, and produces tRNA and rRNA.
The site where the polymerase starts transcribing the gene forming a pre-mRNA molecule is called the _______
Transcription start site
_______ sequence is the DNA sequence which stops transcription.
Termination
Define “sense” strand
The strand of DNA that is transcribed by the polymerase.
Define “anti-sense” strand
The strand that is not transcribed.
“Upstream” means toward the ______ end of the DNA strand in relations to a particular gene.
3’
T or F; 5’ capping has a guanine nucleotide with a methyl group.
True
Series of repeated adenine nucleotides attached to 3’ end is called ______
Polyadenylation
Capping and polyadenylation of mRNA are important for _____, _______, and ______
Nuclear export of mRNA, mRNA stability, translation of mRNA in cytoplasm