Chapter 6 - Transcription Flashcards
What is the central dogma?
DNA –Transcription-> RNA –Translation-> Protein
Which direction is RNA synthesized?
5’ (old) –> 3’ (new)
What cofactor is used in the RNA Polymerase active site?
Magnesium (Mg2+)
What is the function of mRNA?
Messenger RNAs; code for proteins
What is the function of rRNA?
Ribosomal RNAs; form the basic structure of the ribosome and catalyze protein synthesis
What is the function of tRNA?
Transfer RNAs; central to protein synthesis as the adaptors between mRNA and amino acids
What is the function of telomerase RNA?
Serves as the template for the telomerase enzyme that extends the ends of chromosomes
What is the function of snRNAs?
Small nuclear RNA; functions in a variety of nuclear processes, including the splicing of pre-mRNA
What is the function of snoRNA?
Small nucleolar RNAs; help to process and chemically modify rRNAs
What is the function of lncRNA?
Long noncoding RNA; some serve as scaffolds and regulate diverse cell processes, including X-chromosome inactivation
What is the function of miRNA?
MicroRNA; regulates gene expression by blocking the translation of specific mRNAs and causing their degradation
What is the function of siRNA?
Small interfering RNA; turn off gene expression by directing the degradation of selective mRNA and helping to establish repressive chromatin structures
What group of genes are transcribed by RNA polymerase I?
rRNA
What group of genes are transcribed by RNA polymerase II?
All protein-coding genes (mRNA)
snoRNA, miRNA, siRNA, lncRNA, most snRNA
What groups of genes are transcribed by RNA polymerase III?
tRNA and some rRNA and snRNA
