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 and involves tRNA bringing amino acids to the ribosome.

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 an anticodon?

Back

An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that is complementary to a codon in mRNA.

Front

What is the role of mRNA?

Back

mRNA serves as a template for protein synthesis, carrying genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

Front

What is the role of tRNA?

Back

tRNA (transfer RNA) transports specific amino acids to the ribosome during translation, matching its anticodon with the corresponding codon on the mRNA.

Front

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

Back

DNA is double-stranded and contains the sugar deoxyribose, while RNA is single-stranded and contains the sugar ribose.

Front

What is a ribosome?

Back

A ribosome is a cellular structure that facilitates the translation of mRNA into proteins by linking amino acids together.

Front

What is the start codon?

Back

The start codon is the first codon of mRNA that is recognized by the ribosome, typically AUG, which codes for the amino acid methionine.

Front

What is a stop codon?

Back

A stop codon is a codon that signals the termination of protein synthesis. Examples include UAA, UAG, and UGA.