Translation Flashcards
What is Transfer RNA?
A transfer RNA is a small RNA molecule that:
- binds a specific amino acid
- recognises the corresponding codon in messenger RNA by base pairing (anticodon)
What is the start codon? (Bases)
AUG
What does the start codon do?
Specified the beginning of translation. Codes for methionine.
What are the 3 stop codons?
UAG, UGA, UAA
What do the stop codons do?
Specify the end of translation
Which directions do anticodons go?
5’ to 3’
Which direction do codons go?
3’ to 5’
What is the secondary shape of tRNA?
Clover leaf- in reality an L-shape molecule- 3 loops folded on top of each other with a stem (loop because they do not base pair to one another
What does aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase do?
Joins the correct amino acid to the tRNA
Why can some tRNAs recognise more than one codon?
Because of imperfect “wobble” base pairing
Where does the imperfect “wobble” occur?
At the third position of the codon
How are T & C, and A & G similar?
Are chemically similar
Where does protein synthesis take place?
Ribosomes.
What are ribosomes?
Complex structures containing RNA and protein
What are ribosomes made up of?
Has two subunits- 1 large and 1 small. Has binding sites for mRNA and for tRNA (E,P,A sites)
What is the difference in colour between the large and small subunits of a ribosome?
The large is lighter green
Describe protein synthesis (the basics)?
. Messenger RNA binds to ribosome
. Aminoacyl-tRNAs recognise and bind to base triplets in mRNA
. The ribosome transfers the growing polypeptide to the new amino acid
. Protein is extended from amino terminus to carboxy terminus
. Initiation, elongation and release factor proteins assist the process