DNA,RNA,PRotein Synthesis Flashcards
Test prep
What is the definition of Transformation?
The process by which a cell takes up foreign DNA from its environment and incorporates it into its own genome.
This process is significant in genetic engineering and molecular biology.
What is a Bacteriophage?
A virus that infects and replicates within bacteria.
Bacteriophages are used in research and as a potential treatment for bacterial infections.
What is a Nucleotide?
The basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
Nucleotides are the monomers that make up DNA and RNA.
What is Base Pairing?
The specific pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA, where adenine pairs with thymine (or uracil in RNA) and cytosine pairs with guanine.
This principle is crucial for DNA replication and transcription.
What is Chromatin?
The complex of DNA and proteins (histones) found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
Chromatin condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.
What is a Histone?
A type of protein around which DNA is tightly coiled in chromatin.
Histones play a key role in the regulation of gene expression.
What is Replication?
The process of copying DNA to produce two identical DNA molecules.
DNA replication is essential for cell division.
What is DNA Polymerase?
An enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to a pre-existing chain.
It plays a critical role in DNA replication.
What is a Gene?
A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building a specific protein or set of proteins.
Genes are the fundamental units of heredity.
What is Messenger RNA?
A type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
mRNA is transcribed from DNA and is translated into proteins.
What is Ribosomal RNA?
A type of RNA that forms the core of ribosome’s structure and catalyzes protein synthesis.
rRNA is essential for translating mRNA into polypeptides.
What is Transfer RNA?
A type of RNA that brings amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
tRNA has an anticodon that pairs with the corresponding codon on mRNA.
What is Transcription?
The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.
Transcription is the first step in gene expression.
What is RNA Polymerase?
An enzyme that synthesizes RNA by linking ribonucleotides together in the transcription process.
RNA polymerase plays a crucial role in the synthesis of mRNA and other RNA types.
What is a Promoter?
A specific DNA sequence that initiates transcription of a gene by providing a binding site for RNA polymerase.
Promoters are critical for gene regulation.
What is an Intron?
A non-coding segment of a gene that is removed during RNA processing.
Introns are found in the primary RNA transcript but are spliced out before translation.
What is an Exon?
A coding segment of a gene that remains in the final mRNA after splicing.
Exons are expressed sequences that code for proteins.
What is a Codon?
A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.
Codons are the basic units of the genetic code.
What is Translation?
The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA at the ribosome.
Translation involves the decoding of codons into amino acids.
What is an Anticodon?
A sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that is complementary to a codon in mRNA.
Anticodons ensure the correct amino acid is incorporated during translation.
What is a Mutation?
A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in gene expression or protein function.
Mutations can be caused by various factors, including environmental influences.
What is a Point Mutation?
A mutation that involves a change in a single nucleotide in the DNA sequence.
Point mutations can lead to silent, missense, or nonsense mutations.
What is a Frameshift Mutation?
A mutation caused by insertions or deletions of nucleotides that shift the reading frame of the genetic code.
Frameshift mutations typically result in significant changes to the resulting protein.
What is Polyploidy?
The condition of having more than two complete sets of chromosomes.
Polyploidy is common in plants and can lead to increased size and vigor.
