Protein Synthesis Flashcard

Front

What is the process of protein synthesis?

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Protein synthesis is the process by which cells generate new proteins, involving transcription of DNA to mRNA and translation of mRNA to amino acids.

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What is the role of DNA in protein synthesis?

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DNA contains the genetic instructions for the synthesis of proteins, serving as a template for mRNA during transcription.

Front

What is mRNA?

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mRNA (messenger RNA) is a type of RNA that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.

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What is the function of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

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Ribosomes are the cellular structures where protein synthesis occurs, translating mRNA into a polypeptide chain.

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What are the building blocks of proteins?

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Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, linked together in a specific sequence to form a protein.

Front

What is transcription in the context of protein synthesis?

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Transcription is the process of copying a segment of DNA into mRNA, which occurs in the nucleus.

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What is translation in the context of protein synthesis?

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Translation is the process of decoding mRNA to synthesize a protein, occurring at the ribosome.

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What is the role of tRNA in protein synthesis?

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tRNA (transfer RNA) transports specific amino acids to the ribosome during translation, matching them to the mRNA codons.

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What is a codon?

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A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.

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What is the significance of the start codon?

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