Translation. Flashcards
Define a codon?
A triplet of 3 nucleotides that codes for an amino acid.
What are monomers?
The individual building blocks in a polypeptide.
Define mutagens?
Chemical or physical agents that can cause DNA damage leading to mutations.
Define mutations?
Changes in the genetic material of a cell or virus.
Define point mutations?
Mutations in the genetic code that affect just 1 nucleotide.
E.g. A nucleotide that should be a T is changed to a C.
Define a polynucleotide?
A string of nucleotides that are been joined together.
How are nucleotides joined together in a polynucleotide?
By phosphodiester bonds at the 5 prime end and 3 prime end.
Define a polypeptide?
A string of amino acids that are joined together.
Do polypeptides have phosphodiester bonds?
No.
They molecules have peptide bonds which link an amino to a carboxyl end.
Define a polymer?
A substance that is composed of similar units e.g. a protein.
Define a polysome?
A collection of ribosomes that come together to synthesise a protein from 1 mRNA strand.
Define translation?
The process by which mRNA is translated to proteins.
When does translation occur?
After DNA has been transcribed to RNA.
Where does translation take place?
In the cytoplasm at the ribosomes.
What form of RNA will help the ribosomes translate mRNA to proteins?
tRNA will bring individual amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain.
How many known amino acids are there?
Over 300 amino acids.
How many amino acids can be made by the body?
20.
What will the body use individual amino acids to form?
As the individual building blocks for a protein.
What are the monomers that make up a protein?
Amino acids.
What are 5 examples of proteins that can be made from amino acids?
Enzymes.
Hormones.
Antibodies.
Spider webs.
Poisons.
What are the functional groups of an amino acid?
There is an amino end (NH3+).
A carboxylic acid end (COOH).
An R group.
What is the alpha carbon in an amino acid?
The carbon that is bound to the functional groups.
What is the alpha carbon on an amino acid bound to?
The carboxylic acid.
The amino group.
The R group.
A hydrogen.
What gives each amino acid their unique properties?
The R group.