Transcription and RNA Processing

Question 1

Gene expression

Answer 1

The process by which information encoded in DNA directs the synthesis of proteins or, in some cases, RNAs that are not translated into proteins and instead function as RNAs

Question 2

Transcription

Answer 2

The synthesis of RNA using a DNA template

Question 3

Translation

Answer 3

The synthesis of a polypeptide using the genetic information encoded in an mRNA molecule. There is a change of “language” from nucleotides to amino acids

Question 4

Exon

Answer 4

A sequence within a primary transcript that remains in the RNA after RNA processing; also refers to the region of DNA from which this sequence was transcribed

Question 5

Intron

Answer 5

A noncoding, intervening sequence within a primary transcript that is removed from the transcript during RNA processing; also refers to the region of DNA from which this sequence was transcribed

Question 6

Spliceosome

Answer 6

A large complex made up of proteins and RNA molecules that splices RNA by interacting with the ends of an RNA intron, releasing the intron and joining the two adjacent exons

Question 7

Template strand

Answer 7

The DNA strand that provides the pattern, or template, for ordering, by complementary base pairing, the sequence of nucleotides in an RNA transcript

Question 8

Promoter

Answer 8

A specific nucleotide sequence in the DNA of a gene that binds RNA polymerase, positioning it to start transcribing RNA at the appropriate place

Question 9

RNA polymerase

Answer 9

An enzyme that links ribonucleotides into a growing RNA chain during transcription, based on complementary binding to nucleotides on a DNA template strand

Question 10

snRNP

Answer 10

Small nuclear ribonucleoproteins recognise splice sites on mRNA. Several different snRNPs join with additional proteins to form a splicesome.

Question 11

Spliceosome

Answer 11

Interacts with certain sites along an intron, releasing the intron and joining together the two exons that flanked the intron.