Molecular Biology: Transcription and Translation

Mr. Andersen explains transcription and translation, the processes by which DNA is converted into RNA and then into proteins. Using a cooking analogy, he describes how DNA serves as a recipe book for proteins, with ribosomes acting as chefs. The central dogma, developed by Francis Crick, outlines these processes. Transcription occurs in the nucleus, where RNA polymerase creates messenger RNA from DNA. Translation happens in the cytoplasm, where ribosomes read the mRNA to assemble amino acids into proteins. The video concludes with a demonstration of decoding a gene from DNA to protein.

What is the primary analogy used to explain the process of transcription and translation?

• Planting a tree

• Building a house

• Cooking a meal

• Driving a car

What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

• Proteins to RNA to DNA

• DNA to RNA to proteins

• DNA to proteins to RNA

• RNA to DNA to proteins

Where does transcription occur in eukaryotic cells?

• Mitochondria

• Cytoplasm

• Nucleus

• Ribosome

What enzyme is responsible for creating mRNA during transcription?

• DNA polymerase

• Ligase

• RNA polymerase

• Helicase

What is added to mRNA to protect it after transcription?

• A 5' cap and a poly-C tail

• A 3' cap and a poly-G tail

• A poly-A tail and a 5' cap

• A poly-T tail and a 3' cap

What is the role of ribosomes in the translation process?

• To replicate DNA

• To assemble proteins

• To synthesize lipids

• To degrade RNA

How many nucleotides in mRNA code for a single amino acid?

• Four

• Three

• Two

• One

What is the function of tRNA during translation?

• To transcribe DNA into RNA

• To carry amino acids to the ribosome

• To splice mRNA

• To replicate DNA

What is the start codon for protein synthesis?

• AUG

• UAA

• UAG

• UGA

What does a stop codon do during translation?

• Adds a poly-A tail

• Initiates protein synthesis

• Binds to tRNA

• Signals the end of protein synthesis