Transcription and Translation Study Guide
Definition : Helicase
unzip/unwind the DNA molecule
Definition : DNA Polymerase
brings in new nucleotides
Definition : Ligase
zips the DNA back together
Two processes of Protein Synthesis
Transcription and Translation
Transcription : Where does it happen?
In the nucleus
Translation : Where does it happen?
In the ribosomes
Central Dogma
DNA->/Transciption/->mRNA->/Translation/->Protein
4 Nitrogenous Bases in DNA
Adenine, Uracil, Cytosine, Guanine
4 Nitrogenous Bases if RNA
Adenine, Cytosine, Guanine, Thymine
Messenger RNA (mRNA) - Responsibility?
Carries genetic info from DNA to direct protein synthesis in the cytoplasm.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) - Responsibility?
Associates with protein to form the ribosome.
Transfer RNA (tRNA) - Responsibility?
Transport amino acids to the ribosome.
Operon
the “switch” to turn on/off transcription
Promoter
DNA site that promotes RNA polymerase to bind
Repressor
molecule that binds to DNA to block transcription
Inducer
molecule that takes repressor away
Codon
the three-based code in DNA or mRNA
Anticodon
the three-based coding sequence in the tRNA
Intron
non-coding DNA segment transcribed but no translated
Exon
coding DNA segment transcribed and contributes to mRNA
Synthesis
production of molecules, eg., DNA or proteins