Unit 8.4 Flashcards
What is a codon?
a sequence of three nucleotides in DNA or RNA that codes for a specific amino acid
What is an anticodon?
a sequence of three nucleotides found in tRNA that matches up with a codon in mRNA during protein synthesis
What is translation?
the process of translating mRNA into a sequence of amino acids
What is a start codon?
the codon in an mRNA strand that signals the beginning of translation
What is a stop codon?
the codon in an mRNA strand that signals the end of translation
What is a positive transcription factor?
a protein that binds to DNA and enhances the process of transcription
What is a negative transcription factor?
a protein that binds to DNA and prevents transcription
What is affinity?
the strength of the attraction between two molecules or substances
What does mRNA do in translation?
acts as a template for amino acid chain
What does tRNA do in translation?
‘translates’ codons in mRNA into amino acids using anticodons
What does rRNA do in translation?
is the structural foundation of the ribosome, where translation takes places
What is mutation?
change in the base sequence in a molecule of DNA
What is silent point mutation?
a point mutation that doesnt change the amino acid placed in the chain by the codon
What is nonsense point mutation?
a point mutation that creates a stop codon, prematurely stopping the process of translation
What is point mutation?
change in a single nucleotide base
What is missense point mutation?
a point mutation that does change the amino acid places in the chain by the codon
What is frameshift mutation?
change in multiple nucleotide bases
What can cause mutations?
DNA replication, mutagens, viral infections
