RNA and Protein Synthesis

Question 1

When in protein synthesis is mRNA made?

Answer 1

• During transcription

Question 2

What is the function of mRNA?

Answer 2

• To carry the genetic code from the DNA to the ribosomes, where it’s used to make a protein during translation.

Question 3

How many strands is mRNA?

Answer 3

• One.

Question 4

What are groups of 3 adjacent bases in mRNA called?

Answer 4

• Codons.

Question 5

When in protein synthesis is tRNA involved?

Answer 5

• Translation.

Question 6

What is the function of tRNA?

Answer 6

• It carries the amino acids that are used to make proteins to the ribosomes.

Question 7

How many strands is mRNA?

Answer 7

• One.

- It’s folded into a clover shape.

Question 8

How is tRNA held in a clover shape?

Answer 8

• Hydrogen bonds between specific base pairs.

Question 9

What is the sequence of 3 bases at one end in tRNA called?

Answer 9

• Anticodon

Question 10

Protein Synthesis - Transcription

Answer 10

• RNA polymerase attaches to the DNA double-helix at the beginning of a gene.
• The hydrogen bonds between the two strands break, separating the strands and the DNA molecule uncoils at that point, exposing bases.
• One of the strands is used as a template to make an mRNA copy.
• RNA polymerase lines up free RNA nucleotides alongside the exposed bases on the template strand. Free bases are attracted to the exposed bases. Specific, complementary base pairing.
• Joined together by RNA polymerase, forming an mRNA molecule.
• RNA polymerase moves along the DNA, separating the strands and assembling the mRNA strand.
• The hydrogen bonds re-form.
• When RNA polymerase reaches a stop codon, it stops making mRNA and detaches from the DNA.
• In eukaryotes, mRNA moves out of the nucleus through a nuclear pore and attaches to a ribosome in the cytoplasm.