Transcription and Translation Flashcards
messenger RNA (mRNA)
variable sizes, turn DNA into RNA which then turns into proteins
transcription unit
a region of DNA used as a template for a type of mRNA
promoter
in DNA, nucleotides bound by RNA polymerase and cofactors, where transcription begins
terminator
in DNA, around where transcription ends
how is the use of promoters affected?
controlled by whether or not protein transcription factors bind to nearby DNA
transcription factor proteins
can control transcription and bind to the DNA
primary transcript
the transcribed DNA before it is mature mRNA
mature mRNA
has capped 5’ ends, cleaved 3’ ends with polyA tails; modified to help stability, export, and binding
5’ cap
adding special nucleotide which stabilizes mRNA and binds to ribosomes
polyA tail
long stretch of As added to the 3’ end; binds proteins that help stabilize RNA and export form nucleus
exon
parts that remain after sections are removed from mRNA
intron
parts removed from mature mRNA
spliceosome
proteins and snRNA tha remove introns
snRNA
bind, recognize specific nucleotides at exon-intron junctions