Protein Synthesis Flashcards
What is the molecular definition of genes?
Sequences of nucleotides inside DNA that perform specific functions
What does the Garrod Hypothesis state?
One gene directs the production of one protein or enzyme
What does the Central Dogma Hypothesis state?
The genome is located inside the nucleus however proteins are synthesized outside the nucleus on the ribosomes
Why is one copy of DNA likely not sufficient?
Protein is required in large amounts. Thus one copy of DNA is likely, not sufficient because of the Garrod Hypothesis which states that one gene makes one protein
How is messenger RNA created in protein synthesis? how many copies of mRNA can be created?
DNA from the nucleus is copied into a single-stranded messenger RNA that is capable of encoding genetic information
-numerous copies of mRNA can be manufactured in the nucleus
What is transcription?
Copy of DNA information into mRNA
What is translation?
when Ribosomes read mRNA to make amino acid sequences into proteins
What are the three key characteristics of messenger RNA?
lit
- varies in length depending on the gene
- act as an intermediary between DNA and ribosomes
- translated into proteins by ribosomes
What are the two key characteristics of transfer RNA?
dc
- delivery of amino acids to ribosomes as they make proteins
- short and clover-shaped
What are the two key characteristics of ribosomal RNA?
ab
- help with the assembly and synthesis of ribosomes
- bind with proteins to form ribosomes
What codes for one amino acid? What is the start codon?
-three nucleotides are used to codes for one amino acid
-one codon codes for the start codon (AUG) while several others serve as stop codons
How many possible combinations of codons are there? What is the significance of this?
64 (because DNA consists of four different bases, and because there are three bases in a codon, and because 4 * 4 * 4 = 64) thus more than one codon can code for each amino acid
What is the codon chart used for?
Gives detailed information on which codon codes for which amino acid and the start and stop codons
What is the function of RNA polymerase?
Bonds to DNA segment meant to be transcribed. More specifically, it binds to the upstream region of the gene at the promoter and opens the helix
What is the function of the promoter?
Serve as the initial starting point for rna polymerase
Give a brief description of the structure of the promoter?
Consists of a region high of adenine and thymine (TATA Box) . Adenine and Thymine are held together by two hydrogen meaning they’re easier to separate than Cytosine and Guanine
Which direction does rna polymerase begin elongating?
In the 5’ to 3’ direction
When does rna polymerase begin elongating?
As soon as rna polymerase binds to the promoter