Transcription and Translation

Front

What is transcription?

Back

Transcription is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA. It occurs in the nucleus and results in the formation of messenger RNA (mRNA).

Front

What is translation?

Back

Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using the mRNA transcript. It occurs in the cytoplasm.

Front

How many nucleotides are needed to code for one amino acid?

Back

Three nucleotides (a codon) are needed to code for one amino acid.

Front

What is the role of mRNA?

Back

mRNA (messenger RNA) carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis.

Front

What is the role of tRNA?

Back

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

Front

Where does transcription occur in the cell?

Back

Transcription occurs in the nucleus of the cell.

Front

Where does translation occur in the cell?

Back

Translation occurs at the ribosome in the cytoplasm.

Front

What enzyme is responsible for transcription?

Back

RNA polymerase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Front

What is a codon?

Back

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

Front

What is the start codon?

Back

The start codon is AUG, which signals the beginning of translation and codes for the amino acid methionine.