DNA (2/19) Flashcards
What is translation?
the process of translating the sequence of an mRNA molecule to a sequence of amino acids during a protein synthesis
Where does translation occur?
Outside the nucleus on the RIBOSOME
Ribosomes
coordinate the interaction between mRNA to make the amino acid chains (proteins)
What determines the function of a protein?
the sequence of amino acids determines how the chain folds, how the chain folds determines the structure, the structure determines the function
What is Transfer RNA?
tRNA is the small nucleic acid that has two types of regions (double stranded and single stranded)
- activated tRNA molecule have the appropriate amino acid attached
What is an Anti-Codon?
a sequence of three nucleotides forming a unit of genetic code in a tRNA molecule, corresponding to a complementary codon in messenger RNA
- matches to codon have to have the correct Amino Acid attached
What does tRNA do (what is its “payload”)?
tRNA is the amino acid holding “key” that fits in to the encoded mRNA “lock” held by the ribosome
the “payload” of a transfer RNA (tRNA) is a specific amino acid
What is shared by ALL living organisms?
- ) Basic DNA structure, including base pairing
- ) the genetic code (any particular codon codes for the same amino acid in ALL organisms)
- ) Immortal Genes (vital to universal processes as decoding DNA and RNA and protein synthesis)
What are “Immortal Genes”?
short portions of the sequence of a protein found in all domains of life
Why read the DNA sequence in a 5’ to 3’ direction?
it tells us the sequence of that protein