DNA, Protein Synthesis, & Mutations

Front

What is DNA?

Back

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life, composed of two strands forming a double helix.

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What is transcription in protein synthesis?

Back

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

Front

Why must transcription occur where DNA can be found?

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Because DNA can't leave the nucleus, transcription must occur there to ensure the genetic information is copied.

Front

What is translation in protein synthesis?

Back

Translation is the process where ribosomes read the mRNA sequence and synthesize proteins by linking amino acids in the correct order.

Front

What is a codon?

Back

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.

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What is a mutation?

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

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What are insertion and deletion mutations?

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Insertion mutations add extra nucleotides into the DNA sequence, while deletion mutations remove nucleotides, both of which can cause frameshift mutations.

Front

Why are frameshift mutations harmful?

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Frameshift mutations change all of the codons from the mutation onward, altering the entire amino acid sequence and potentially leading to nonfunctional proteins.

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What is genetic engineering?

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Genetic engineering is the manipulation or addition of genes to alter the genetic makeup of an organism.

Front

What is the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

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Ribosomes are the cellular structures where translation occurs, reading mRNA and assembling amino acids into proteins.