Biology Flashcard: Replication, Transcription, Translation, and Mutation

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What is DNA replication?

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The process by which a cell makes an exact copy of its DNA before cell division.

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What is transcription in biology?

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

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What is translation in the context of protein synthesis?

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The process where ribosomes read mRNA and use tRNA to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain, forming a protein.

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What is a mutation?

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A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in the structure and function of proteins.

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How do mutations affect an organism's phenotype?

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Mutations can result in changes to an organism's phenotype, which is the observable physical or biochemical characteristics.

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What role does mRNA play in translation?

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mRNA carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where it is translated into a protein.

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What is the significance of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

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Ribosomes are the cellular machinery that read mRNA and facilitate the assembly of amino acids into proteins.

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What is the relationship between genotype and phenotype?

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Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, while phenotype is the expression of that genotype in physical traits.

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What is the function of tRNA in translation?

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tRNA transports specific amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to the corresponding codons on the mRNA.

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What is a polypeptide chain?

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A polypeptide chain is a sequence of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds, which folds into a functional protein.