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 of converting the sequence of a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule into a sequence of amino acids during protein synthesis. It occurs in the ribosome.

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 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 start codon?

Back

The start codon is the first codon of a messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript that is translated by a ribosome. The most common start codon is AUG, which codes for Methionine.

Front

What is a stop codon?

Back

A stop codon is a nucleotide triplet within mRNA that signals the end of translation. Common stop codons are UAA, UAG, and UGA.

Front

What is the genetic code?

Back

The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in mRNA is translated into proteins. It consists of 64 codons that specify 20 amino acids.

Front

What is the function of ribosomes in translation?

Back

Ribosomes are the cellular structures where translation occurs. They facilitate the binding of mRNA and tRNA and catalyze the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids.

Front

What is tRNA?

Back

tRNA (transfer RNA) is a type of RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. Each tRNA molecule has an anticodon that pairs with a corresponding codon on the mRNA.

Front

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

Back

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is double-stranded and contains the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA (ribonucleic acid) is single-stranded and contains the sugar ribose.