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 involves the synthesis of messenger RNA (mRNA) from a DNA template.

Front

What is translation?

Back

Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using the information encoded in mRNA. It occurs in the cytoplasm and involves tRNA bringing amino acids to the ribosome.

Front

What is mRNA?

Back

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

Front

What is tRNA?

Back

tRNA (transfer RNA) is a type of RNA that transports amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis, matching them to the coded mRNA sequence.

Front

What is the role of RNA polymerase in transcription?

Back

RNA polymerase is the enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription. It unwinds the DNA and adds RNA nucleotides complementary to the DNA strand.

Front

What are the differences between DNA and RNA?

Back

DNA is double-stranded, contains deoxyribose sugar, and has thymine as a base. RNA is single-stranded, contains ribose sugar, and has uracil instead of thymine.

Front

What is the significance of the start codon?

Back

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

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.

Front

What is a stop codon?

Back

A stop codon is a codon that signals the termination of translation, indicating that the protein synthesis is complete.

Front

What is the function of ribosomes in translation?

Back

Ribosomes are the cellular structures where translation occurs. They read the mRNA sequence and facilitate the assembly of amino acids into proteins.