Lecture 17: Transcription (RNA Synthesis) and Gene Structure Flashcards
1
Q
What is the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology?
A
- DNA —> RNA transcription + translation —> Protein
2
Q
What is a gene?
A
- A defined region of DNA that produces RNA that has some function
3
Q
What is the function of RNA polymerase?
A
- Synthesises mRNA by catalysing the formation of phosphodiester bonds between ribonucleotides
4
Q
mRNA is transcribed from the _______ strand.
A
- Template
5
Q
Describe the structure of a gene
A
- Coding sequence
- AT rich region (promoter) / regulatory function
- UTR (untranslated region) / involved in making protein + transcription + translation
6
Q
What is the function of the 5’G cap and Poly-A-Tail?
A
- Protecting mRNA from degradation
7
Q
“Coding region” of DNA has _____ interrupting the coding sequence
A
- Introns
8
Q
What’s the process of removing introns?
A
- Splicing
9
Q
How are introns removed?
A
- Nucleotides on either side of the intron + some in the middle of the intron recognise each other and are removed by spliceosomes
10
Q
What happens in alternative splicing?
A
- 2 mature mRNA’s are made = 2 proteins
- Different regions are removed
11
Q
What happens in post-translational processing?
A
- Addition of various types of biochemical function groups will affect the function and activity of the protein
