6 Translation and Gene Expression Free Online FlashCards

What happens during transcription?

Transcription copies relevant DNA information into messenger RNA (mRNA).

What happens during translation?

During translation, a ribosome reads mRNA and assembles a chain of amino acids.

What is the genetic code?

The genetic code is the set of rules relating mRNA nucleotide sequences to amino acids or translation signals.

What is a codon?

A codon is a group of three mRNA nucleotides read together by a ribosome.

What does AUG signal and code for?

AUG usually marks the start of translation and codes for methionine.

Which mRNA codons signal translation to stop?

UAA, UAG, and UGA are stop codons; they signal the end of translation.

What does it mean that the genetic code is redundant?

The genetic code is redundant: several different codons can specify the same amino acid.

How widely is the genetic code shared across organisms?

The genetic code is nearly universal across organisms, although a few exceptions exist.

In which direction does a ribosome read mRNA?

A ribosome moves along mRNA in the 5′-to-3′ direction, reading codons in order.

How does a tRNA match an mRNA codon?

A tRNA anticodon pairs with a matching mRNA codon, and the tRNA carries the corresponding amino acid.

What happens during translation elongation?

During elongation, the ribosome links amino acids with peptide bonds and advances to the next codon.

What happens during translation termination?

During termination, a stop codon enters the ribosome, translation ends, and the newly made polypeptide is released.