DNA, RNA and Protein Synthesis- RNA and Protein Synthesis Flashcards
How is RNA different to DNA?
It is a single polynucleotide and contains uracil instead of thymine
What does uracil pair with?
Adenine
What are the 2 main types of RNA?
Messenger RNA (mRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA)
When is mRNA made?
During transcription
What is the role of mRNA?
Carries the genetic code from the DNA to the ribosomes where it is used to make a protein during translation
What is the structure of mRNA?
Single polynucleotide strand, contains codons
What are codons?
Groups of 3 adjacent bases
What is tRNA involved in?
Translation
What is the role of tRNA?
Carries the amino acids that are used to make proteins to the ribosomes
What is the structure of tRNA?
Single polynucleotide strand folded into a clover shape- held in shape by hydrogen bonds between specific base pairs
What does every tRNA molecule have?
A specific sequence of 3 bases at one end called an anticodon and an amino acid binding site at the other end
What happens during transcription?
An mRNA copy of a gene is made from DNA
Where does transcription take place in eukaryotes?
The nucleus
Where does transcription take place in prokaryotes?
The cytoplasm
How does transcription start?
When RNA polymerase attaches to the DNA double helix at the beginning of a gene