Transcription and Translation Review

Front

What is the role of tRNA in protein synthesis?

Back

tRNA (transfer RNA) carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation, matching its anticodon with the corresponding codon on the mRNA.

Front

What is an anticodon?

Back

An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides on tRNA that pairs with a complementary codon on mRNA during translation.

Front

What is a codon?

Back

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.

Front

Why does the order of amino acids in a protein matter?

Back

The order of amino acids determines the protein's structure and function; even a single change can affect how the protein works.

Front

What is transcription?

Back

Transcription is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA, specifically mRNA, which carries the genetic information to the ribosome.

Front

What is translation?

Back

Translation is the process where ribosomes synthesize proteins by decoding the mRNA sequence into a chain of amino acids.

Front

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

Back

DNA is double-stranded and contains the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA is single-stranded and contains the sugar ribose.

Front

What is the function of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

Back

Ribosomes are the cellular machinery that facilitate the translation of mRNA into a polypeptide chain (protein).

Front

What is a gene?

Back

A gene is a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein or set of proteins.

Front

What is the significance of the start codon?

Back

The start codon (AUG) signals the beginning of translation and codes for the amino acid methionine.