Gene expression -chuck 1 Flashcards
Gene expression
the process by which the instructions in our DNA are converted into a functional product (protein).
Nucleic Acids
The two nucleic acids are DNA and RNA . They are polymers (giant molecules) made up of units called nucleotides.
Nucleotides
Nucleotides are made up of a nitrogenous base, a 5-carbon sugar and a phosphate group.
RNA structure
A single strand of nucleotides (A, G, U, C). Relatively short and transient molecule
Role of DNA
The instructions for cell structure and function
Coding strand
The side of the DNA that is copied into mRNA and is complementary to DNA. The side involved in protein synthesis.
Template strand
The other side of the of the DNA molecule which is copied during protein synthesis. The side not involved in protein synthesis.
Triplet
A group of 3 bases coding for a specific amino acid in the DNA
Codon
A group of 3 bases in mRNA coding for a specific amino acid
Anti-codon
3 bases in tRNA coding complementary to the codon in mRNA
Proteins
A folded polypeptide chain
mRNA
Messenger RNA carries the code from the nucleus to the ribosomes
tRNA
Transfer RNAs carry amino acids to the ribosome to make a protein
Translation
Changing an mRNA into a polypeptide chain
Transcription
Copying a gene from DNA into mRNA
Ribosome
Small organelle on the endoplasmic reticulum in the cell which assembles proteins. Made of rRNA and protein
Amino acid
Chemical that binds together using peptide bonds to form a protein. Can be made or got from your diet
Primary protein structure
Sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain
Secondary protein structure
coiling of a polypeptide chain into alpha-helix or folding into beta-pleated sheet. Occurs due to H-bonding between amino acids
Tertiary protein structure
Folding of secondary protein structures into a 3D structure. Occurs due to attractions and bonding between amino acids in the secondary protein structures. Some proteins are functional at this stage
Quaternary protein structure
2+ tertiary protein structures bonding to form a functional protein
Intron
A segment of a DNA or RNA molecule that does not code for proteins and interrupts the sequence of genes. Removed from mRNA by splicing
RNA Splicing
Enzyme controlled process of removing introns and reconnecting exons in mRNA. Also called RNA processing
Exon
The coding segments of a DNA or RNA molecule.
