Functions and Dysfunctions of Protein Processing Flashcards
What is the genetic code?
the genetic code is a set of rules that allows us to convert the nucleotides of a gene–> the AA of a protein with the help of an mRNA
How do we read nucleotides of mRNA to make the protein?
We read nucleotides in sets of 3, called codons.
What do codons code for?
Codons can code for amino acids or a stop codon that will end translation
How many codons are there?
There are a total of 64 codons.
61 codons code for amino acids
3 codons code for stop codons, and not AA
What does it mean that our code is degenerate?
Saying that our code is degenerate means that we are calling it redundant.
Thus, more than 1 codon can code for 1 amino acid.
Is out genetic code STANDARD?
yes
Is our genetic code UNIVERSAL?
no
2 other features of our genetic code
- Non-punctuated (without commas)
2. Non-overlapping (some exceptions)
What is a mutation?
A mutation is a PERMENANT, HERITABLE change in our DNA sequence
What can be the result of a point mutation?
A point mutation that affects a base pair or an open reading frame can result in a different AA being inserted into our protein.
What are the 4 types of point mutations?
- Silent mutation: change in codon results in the same AA. Thus, it has no affect on the protein
- Missense mutation: change in the codon results in a different AA being inserted into the protein.
If the AA is of same type= no affect on protein
If the AA is of different type= very bad - Nonsense mutation–> change in the codon results in a stop codon being inserted
Result: protein is degraded or truncated - Frameshit mutation–> when the number of deleted AA is not a multiple of three, causing a change in the reading frame and a change in the AA inserted
What are the results of a nonsense mutation?
- Protein is degraded
2. Protein is truncated
Sickle cell anemia is an example of what type of mutation?
Missense mutation
GAG–> GTG
Glu–> Valine ( a hydrophobic AA)
What is the codon changed in sickle cell?
GAG–>GTG
What is the AA changed to in Sickle cell?
Glu–>Val
Hydrophillic AA–> hydrophobic
What is the result of the missense mutation in sickle cell anema?
HbA will aggregate and form rod like structures, causing the cells to sickle. Thus, RBCs will have problems carrying O2 and clog capillaries
__________________ can lead a partially non-functioning dystrophin gene.
- Large in-frame deletion
2. OOF (out-of-frame) deletion
How do we develop Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?
What is it?
- OOF deletion results in little, to no expression of the dystrophin gene.
DMD is a severe form that leads to muscle wasting.
What is Becker Muscular Dystrophy and how do you get it?
Becker is a MILDER form of DMD. Muscle is replaced with fat and fibroid and CK levels are elevated.
It occurs due to large-in frame deletions of the dystrophin gene, resulting in a truncated form.
Following modifications to mRNA, it is exported to the ________ for translation
cytoplasm
Features of eukaryotic mRNA
- 7’methylguanosine 5’ cap
- Coding region filled with codon
- Poly (A) tail
How does the codon find the AA?
tRNA. tRNA is an adaptor. It has a site for the codon and a site for the AA to attach to the tRNA.
Structure of tRNA
- Cloverleaf structure
- 2 regions of unpaired nucleotides:
A. anticodon region
B. 3’ CCA terminal region
What is an aminoacyl tRNA?
An aminoacyl tRNA is the activated tRNA with the AA already attached.
How do we activate the tRNA
there are 2 steps:
- aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase will catalyze [ATP–>AMP], adding it to the COOH end of the AA.
- AA can then transfer to the tRNA
We now have a activated tRNA :)
Is there only 1 aminoacyl tRNA synthetase?
No. Each AA will have its own aminoacyl tRNA synthetase.
_______________________ serve as the second genetic code.
Aminoacyl tRNA synthetase
Will tRNA always bind the correct AA?
Yes
Where does protein synthesis occur?
Ribosomes
What are ribosomes?
large complexes of rRNA and protein
What is the structure of ribosomes?
Ribosomes have a large and small subunit. When mRNA is present, the 2 come together to form an active complex.
Eukaryotic ribosome sizes
Eukaryotic=EVEN
40/60/80 S
Prokaryotic ribosome sizes
prOkaryotic= ODD
30/50/70 S
Antibiotics target _______ ribosomes
prokaryotic
Ribosomes Sites
- A (Acceptor sites)–> site where the mRNA codon is exposed to the aminoacyl tRNA can bind.
* the initiator met-tRNA will not bind to the A site - P (peptide site)–> where the peptide bond is formed
- E (exit)–> where the empty tRNA leaves
At what site does the initator met-tRNA bind?
It will bind at the P site
Translation occurs in the _______ direction
5’–>3’
Steps of Translation
Initiation, Elongation and Termination
Step 1: Initiation
Initiation: [mRNA, small ribosomal unit, and initiator tRNA complex] form
Step 2: Elongation
Peptide bond is formed between activated AA and methtionine
Step 3: Termination
peptide chain is released
When no protein synthesis is occuring, are the 2 ribosomal subunits together or apart?
Apart
Initiation: in Detail
- Pre-initiation complex is formed: [methionyl tRNA, with eIF2 and GTP bound to it] bind to the [P site of the small ribosomal SU]
- Other initiation factors are added
- ATP is hydrolyzed to ADP as we look for the initial start codon: AUG
- When found, GTP hydrolyses to GDP, and the initiation factors will leave
- Signals the large ribosomal SU to come in, forming the initiation complex
- Aminoacyl tRNA is added to the A site
- 1st peptide bond (-CO-NH) forms at the P site
t/f: all mRNA molecules have a signal that defines the beginning of each encoded polypeptide chain
TRUE
What is the special initiator tRNA in eukaryotes called?
methionyl-tRNA
What are eukaryotic and prokaryotic initiation factors called?
Eukaroyotic–> eIF2 (eukaryotic initiation factors)
Prokaryotic–> IF (initiation factors)
Once the first peptide bond is formed, the ribosome subunit translocates to the ______, to push the tRNA with 2AA to the ___ site
Right
P-site
How many GTP’s does initiation use?
1 in total
GTP is hydrolyzed when we find start codon to trigger the leave of eIFs and the addition of the large ribosomal complex
Elongation factors play a role in _________.
proofreading
Elongation: in DETAIL
- A peptide bond is formed between the aminoacyl tRNA and the methionyl tRNA
- Incoming [aminoacyl tRNAs+GTP-bound elongation factor] will bind to their anticodon to the codon region at the A site.
Loading is assisted by GTP hydrolysis and release of
the elongation factor
What enzyme catalyzes the formation of the peptide bond?
peptidyl transferase