Week 2: Rna And Translation Flashcards
What is the primary function of transcription?
Transcription generates a single-stranded RNA identical in sequence with one of the strands of the DNA duplex.
What are the two stages of gene expression?
- Transcription
- Translation
How does RNA differ from DNA?
- RNA contains uracil (U) instead of thymine (T)
- RNA is usually single-stranded
- RNA is less stable than DNA
What enzyme is responsible for transcription?
RNA polymerase
What are the three types of RNA polymerases in eukaryotes?
- RNA polymerase I (rRNA genes)
- RNA polymerase II (mRNA and small non-coding RNAs)
- RNA polymerase III (tRNA and 5S rRNA)
What is the role of the TATA box in transcription?
It is a control region that helps initiate transcription by binding transcription factors.
What is the function of enhancers in gene regulation?
Enhancers activate transcription and may be located distant from the promoter.
Fill in the blank: The process of converting RNA sequence into an amino acid sequence is called _______.
Translation
What is the significance of the 5’ cap on mRNA?
It signals that the molecule is mRNA and prevents rapid degradation.
What are the main steps in mRNA processing?
- Capping
- Splicing
- Polyadenylation
What is the role of the spliceosome?
It carries out the splicing of pre-mRNA.
What is the primary function of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?
It makes up the ribosome, which is the machinery for making proteins.
What are the three binding sites on a ribosome for tRNA?
- A (aminoacyl) site
- P (peptidyl) site
- E (exit) site
True or False: Introns are expressed and translated into proteins.
False
What is the function of polyadenylation in mRNA processing?
It stabilizes the mature mRNA and facilitates its export from the nucleus.
