checkpoint-1 GE -misconceptions

Front

What is a gene?

Back

A section of DNA that codes for a protein/polypeptide/trait, providing the genetic code for the protein to be made.

Front

What is DNA?

Back

Deoxyribose nucleic acid, which provides the template to copy the genetic code for a protein onto mRNA.

Front

What is mRNA?

Back

Messenger RNA that makes a copy of the gene from DNA and moves to a ribosome to allow the protein to be made.

Front

What is tRNA?

Back

Transfer RNA that carries a specific amino acid to the ribosome to attach to the growing polypeptide chain.

Front

What is the purpose of transcription?

Back

To make copies of the genetic code from DNA onto mRNA so that a protein required by the cell can be made.

Front

What is the purpose of translation?

Back

To convert the genetic code from a sequence of bases to a specific sequence of amino acids called a polypeptide/protein.

Front

Describe the process of transcription.

Back

DNA unwinds, strands separate, RNA nucleotides match the DNA template, mRNA leaves the nucleus to a ribosome.

Front

Describe the process of translation.

Back

mRNA carries the code to a ribosome, tRNA brings amino acids, codons and anticodons match, forming a polypeptide.

Front

What is a triplet in DNA?

Back

A sequence of three bases on DNA that allows amino acids to be joined in a specific sequence to create a polypeptide.

Front

What is a codon?

Back

A series of three bases on mRNA complementary to the DNA triplet, coding for a specific amino acid.