The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

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What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

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DNA is the genetic material within the nucleus. Replication creates new copies of DNA. Transcription creates RNA using DNA information. Translation creates a protein using RNA information.

Front

What is DNA replication?

Back

DNA replication is semi-conservative, meaning each newly synthesized molecule contains one 'parent template' strand and one new 'daughter' strand.

Front

What is the role of RNA in protein production?

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RNA carries the instructions of DNA out of the nucleus to the ribosomes, playing several roles in the production of protein.

Front

What are the four types of RNA?

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1. mRNA (messenger RNA) 2. tRNA (transfer RNA) 3. rRNA (ribosomal RNA) 4. snRNA (small nuclear RNA)

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What is the process of transcription?

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Transcription is the mechanism by which a template strand of DNA is utilized by specific RNA polymerases to generate RNA.

Front

What is a codon?

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A codon is a triplet of adjacent nucleotides in the messenger RNA chain that codes for a specific amino acid in the synthesis of a protein.

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What is the genetic code?

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The genetic code consists of codons that specify amino acids. All organisms use the same 20 amino acids.

Front

What are the three steps of translation?

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1. Initiation 2. Elongation 3. Termination

Front

What happens during the initiation step of translation?

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During initiation, mRNA, a specific tRNA, and the ribosome subunits assemble.

Front

What occurs during the elongation step of translation?

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During elongation, the ribosome moves along the mRNA, and tRNA brings amino acids to form a polypeptide chain.