Transcription Flashcards
What is protein synthesis?
The process which produces proteins from the information in the DNA code.
What is Transcription?
The DNA code is copied into a single strand called messenger RNA.
Where does it take place?
In the nucleus
Why is it necessary?
The DNA molecule is large so it cannot get through the nuclear pores so smaller mRNA is used to copy a section of DNA which codes for a protein. The mRNA leaves the nucleus and joins a ribosome where the protein is synthesised.
What is 1st stage of Transcription?
RNA polymerase binds at the start codon and DNA helicase binds which breaks the hydrogen bonds on a section of DNA that contains the gene for the desired protein. Bases are exposed.
What is the 2nd stage of Transcription?
RNA polymerase moves along the template strand and joins free nucleotides that are complementary to the exposed template strand to form a pre-mRNA.
What is the 3rd stage of Transcription?
DNA bases rejoin behind the RNA polymerase and it will stop and detach when it reaches the stop codon. Pre-mRNA will be spliced before leaving the nuclear pore.
What are exons and introns?
Exons are regions that code for proteins whereas introns dont.
What is splicing?
Removing introns in pre-mRNA (only happens in eukaryotes)