Transcription & Translation (4) Flashcards
gene
linear segment of dna that contains the information needed to synthesize or “express” a particular gene product (rna or protein)
- made up of dna
- codes for rna and proteins
What are the two steps of protein expression?
- transcription of mRNA from DNA
- translation of mRNA to produce a polypeptide chain
Transcription relies on …
complementary base-pairing to copy the nucleotide sequence information present in one strand of the double helix
Messenger RNAs are processed prior to translation …
in eukaaryotic cells this involves the removal or splicing of introns
Where does translation take place?
In ribosomes, and relies upon a highly conserved genetic code
What are mutations?
- changes in the genetic information encoded in dna
- can change the sequence of amino acids in the protein formed from the mutated gene
Central dogma proposed by Francis Crick
DNA (transcription) RNA (translation) Protein
What direction is RNA synthesized in?
5’ to 3’ direction
How is RNA synthesized?
By an RNA polymerase from a DNA template
needs
- nucleoside triphophates (NTP)
- Mg at suitable conditions
Does RNA polymerase need a primer?
No
RNA polymerase works with …
- other proteins called trans-acting factors/transcription factors
Transcription factors recognize …
- cis-acting elements (specific sequences on theDNA)
What do cis-acting elements include and what can they do?
- promoter
- suppresor
- enhancer
they can affect the amount, rate, and accuracy of the transcription
The promoter in eukaryotes affects the …
accuraty and amount of transcription
What the enhancers and suppresors called and what do they do?
- Regulatory regions
- when bound by transcription factors result in more active or less active transcription
What happens when the RNA polymerase and ____ bind to the promoter?
- transcription factors
- open the double helix and start transcribing RNA by incorporating NTPs (C U A G) complimentary to the template RNA strand.
- the opposite strand is not transcribed
Where does transcription stop?
the transcription stop site
What the the transcription stop site denoted by in eukaryotes?
the sequence AATAAA
What does RNA polymerase I transcribe?
ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
What does RNA polymerase II transcribe?
messenger RNA (mRNA)
What does RNA polymerase III transcribe?
transfer RNA (tRNA) and one type of rRNA
Where is eukaryotic RNA processed and translated?
processed in the nucleous, translated in the cytoplasm
Major type of processing 1: Capping & Polyadenylation
Capping happens and at the 3’ end a stretch of poly-As (adenines) is added by an enzyme poly(A) polymerase
Capping process
the phosphate group of a modified form of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) is added to the 5’ end of RNA
What does capping do?
- protects mRNA
- marks the 5’ ends as the starting point for translation
What RNAs are capped and polyadenylated?
only mRNA, to increase their stability