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 mRNA sequence as a template. It occurs in the cytoplasm.

Front

What is a codon?

Back

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

Front

What is a 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 an anticodon?

Back

An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that is complementary to a corresponding codon in mRNA, allowing for the correct amino acid to be added during translation.

Front

What is the role of tRNA in translation?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the 5' and 3' ends of RNA?

Back

The 5' end of RNA has a phosphate group, while the 3' end has a hydroxyl group. This orientation is crucial for the directionality of transcription and translation.

Front

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

Back

DNA is double-stranded and contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA is single-stranded and contains ribose sugar. DNA stores genetic information, whereas RNA plays a role in protein synthesis.

Front

What is the function of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

Back

Ribosomes are the cellular machinery that facilitate the translation of mRNA into a polypeptide chain (protein) by reading the mRNA codons and assembling the corresponding amino acids.

Front

What is a mutation?

Back

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in the structure and function of proteins, potentially affecting an organism's traits.