RNA translation and transcription Flashcards
What are genes?
Sections of DNA within the nucleus of cells
What do genes contain?
The specific instructions for the sequence of amino acids required to make a protein
Where does protein synthesis take place?
Cytoplasm
What is the name of the process to go from DNA to mRNA?
Transcription
What is the name of the process to go from mRNA to a protein?
Translation
What is mRNA?
Messenger RNA
What does the base sequence of mRNA reflect?
The DNA sequence
What is mRNA complimentary to?
The DNA template
Does mRNA vary in length?
Yes
Depending on the gene
Which enzyme synthesises RNA?
RNA polymerase
What are the three things RNA polymerase needs?
A template
Activated precursors
A metal
What template does RNA polymerase prefer?
Double stranded DNA
What are the activated precursors that RNA polymerase needs?
All 4 ribonucleoside triphosphates
ATP, GTP, UTP, CTP
Which metal does RNA polymerase need?
Mn2+ or Mg2+
Does RNA polymerase require a primer?
No
What are promoter sites?
DNA templates contain promoter sites that bind to RNA polymerase and position it in the correct place to start synthesis
Where are the promoter sites found?
5’ side of the DNA
Where are the two promoter sites in humans found?
CAAT box
TATA box
Where is the CAAT box?
75 bases up
Where is the TATA box?
25 bases up