Protein Synthesis & Mutations Review Flashcard

Front

What process involves the formation of mRNA from a DNA template?

Back

Transcription

Front

What are the coding sequences that remain in the final mRNA sequences called?

Back

Exons

Front

What is the term for a mutation that involves the addition or deletion of nucleotides, potentially altering the entire downstream sequence?

Back

Frameshift mutation (insertion/deletion)

Front

What is the main difference between a point mutation and a frameshift mutation?

Back

A point mutation changes a single nucleotide, while a frameshift mutation alters the reading frame of the genetic code.

Front

Why are frameshift mutations generally more harmful than point mutations?

Back

They change all the code downstream, potentially leading to a completely different and nonfunctional protein.

Front

What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

Back

mRNA carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.

Front

What is the process called where ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA?

Back

Translation

Front

What are introns?

Back

Non-coding sequences in mRNA that are removed during RNA processing.

Front

What is the function of tRNA in protein synthesis?

Back

tRNA transports amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to the coded mRNA sequence.

Front

What is the significance of the genetic code being universal?

Back

It means that the same codons specify the same amino acids across different organisms, indicating a common evolutionary origin.