2 min read•Last Updated on June 18, 2024
The genetic code is like a universal language for life, translating DNA into proteins. It's nearly identical across organisms, with a few exceptions, hinting at a shared origin for all living things on Earth.
Protein synthesis is a complex process involving initiation, elongation, and termination. It's similar in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, but with key differences in ribosome structure, location, and antibiotic sensitivity.
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The genetic code and the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology - BSCI 1510L Literature and Stats ... View original
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Amino Acids and DNA and RNA Bases | Computational Chemistry Resources View original
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The Genetic Code | OpenStax Biology 2e View original
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The 5' cap is a modified guanine nucleotide added to the 5' end of a mature eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. It plays a crucial role in the structure and function of RNA, as well as in the process of protein synthesis (translation).
Term 1 of 67
The 5' cap is a modified guanine nucleotide added to the 5' end of a mature eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. It plays a crucial role in the structure and function of RNA, as well as in the process of protein synthesis (translation).
Term 1 of 67
The 5' cap is a modified guanine nucleotide added to the 5' end of a mature eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. It plays a crucial role in the structure and function of RNA, as well as in the process of protein synthesis (translation).
Term 1 of 67
The genetic code is a set of rules by which information encoded in DNA or RNA sequences is translated into proteins by living cells. It determines how sequences of nucleotides correspond to specific amino acids.
Codon: A sequence of three nucleotides that together form a unit of genetic code.
tRNA: Transfer RNA; type of RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation.
Ribosome: A complex molecular machine found within all living cells that performs biological protein synthesis (translation).
Protein synthesis is the biological process by which cells generate new proteins. It involves transcription of DNA into mRNA and translation of mRNA into a polypeptide chain.
Transcription: The process by which genetic information from DNA is copied into mRNA.
Ribosome: A complex molecular machine that facilitates the translation of mRNA into a polypeptide chain.
mRNA (Messenger RNA): A type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
Initiation is the critical first step in various biological processes, including DNA replication, RNA transcription, and protein synthesis. It marks the beginning of these fundamental mechanisms that are essential for cellular function and gene expression.
Preinitiation Complex: A multi-protein complex that assembles at the promoter region of a gene, preparing the DNA for transcription initiation.
Promoter: A DNA sequence located upstream of a gene that serves as a binding site for RNA polymerase and other transcription factors to initiate transcription.
Start Codon: The specific triplet of nucleotides (AUG) in the mRNA that signals the ribosome to begin protein synthesis by marking the site of translation initiation.
Elongation is the process of extending or lengthening a molecule or structure. In the context of molecular biology, it refers to the continuous addition of subunits to a growing polymer, such as DNA, RNA, or a polypeptide chain, during the processes of replication, transcription, and translation, respectively.
Initiation: The starting point of a biological process, such as the beginning of DNA replication, RNA transcription, or protein synthesis.
Termination: The end of a biological process, such as the completion of DNA replication, RNA transcription, or protein synthesis.
Processivity: The ability of an enzyme to catalyze multiple rounds of a reaction without dissociating from the substrate.
Termination is the process by which a biological process or reaction is brought to an end. In the context of DNA replication, RNA transcription, and protein synthesis, termination refers to the specific mechanisms that signal the conclusion of these fundamental cellular processes.
Transcription Termination: The process by which RNA polymerase disengages from the DNA template and releases the newly synthesized RNA molecule.
Translation Termination: The process by which the ribosome releases the completed polypeptide chain and disassembles at the end of protein synthesis.
Rho-Dependent Termination: A mechanism of transcription termination in bacteria that involves the Rho protein, which causes RNA polymerase to detach from the DNA template.
Ribosomes are molecular machines within cells that facilitate the translation of mRNA into proteins. They consist of rRNA and proteins, forming two subunits that join during protein synthesis.
mRNA: Messenger RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
tRNA: Transfer RNA that brings amino acids to ribosomes during translation.
Polypeptide Chain: A sequence of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds, formed as a result of translation at the ribosome.
mRNA (messenger RNA) is a type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. It acts as a template for protein synthesis during translation.
ribosome: A molecular machine that reads mRNA sequences and synthesizes proteins by linking amino acids together.
codon: A set of three nucleotides on an mRNA molecule that corresponds to a specific amino acid or stop signal during translation.
tRNA: Transfer RNA; a type of RNA that brings amino acids to the ribosome in accordance with the codon sequence on the mRNA.
The genetic code is a set of rules by which information encoded in DNA or RNA sequences is translated into proteins by living cells. It determines how sequences of nucleotides correspond to specific amino acids.
Codon: A sequence of three nucleotides that together form a unit of genetic code.
tRNA: Transfer RNA; type of RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation.
Ribosome: A complex molecular machine found within all living cells that performs biological protein synthesis (translation).
Amino acids are organic molecules that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They play a crucial role in cellular processes and are essential for protein synthesis.
Codon: A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies an amino acid or stop signal during translation.
Peptide Bond: A covalent bond formed between two amino acids during protein synthesis.
tRNA: Transfer RNA, which brings specific amino acids to the ribosome during translation based on codon-anticodon pairing.
A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid or a termination signal during protein synthesis. It is the basic unit of the genetic code.
Anticodon: A sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA complementary to an mRNA codon.
mRNA: Messenger RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.
Ribosome: Cellular machinery that facilitates the translation of mRNA into proteins.
Amino acids are the fundamental building blocks of proteins, which are essential macromolecules that perform a vast array of functions in living organisms. They are organic compounds composed of a central carbon atom bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a unique side chain that determines the specific properties of each amino acid.
Peptide Bond: A covalent chemical bond formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another amino acid, linking them together to form a polypeptide chain.
Polypeptide: A long chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds, which can fold into a specific three-dimensional structure to form a protein.
Genetic Code: The set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or RNA sequences) is translated into the synthesis of proteins.
Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells that generate most of the cell's supply of ATP, used as a source of chemical energy. They also play roles in other processes such as signaling, cellular differentiation, and cell death.
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): The primary molecule for storing and transferring energy in cells.
Cristae: The folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane which increase its surface area.
Apoptosis: The process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.
A start codon is a specific sequence of nucleotides in mRNA that signals the beginning of protein synthesis. The most common start codon is AUG, which codes for the amino acid methionine.
mRNA: Messenger RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
Ribosome: A molecular machine that facilitates the linking of amino acids during protein synthesis.
tRNA: Transfer RNA that brings amino acids to the ribosome corresponding to each codon's instructions during translation.
Initiation factors are proteins that play a crucial role in the early stages of translation by facilitating the assembly of the ribosome and initiator tRNA on the mRNA strand. They ensure that the translation process begins accurately and efficiently.
Ribosome: A molecular machine composed of rRNA and proteins that synthesizes polypeptides based on mRNA sequences.
mRNA: Messenger RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
tRNA: Transfer RNA that brings specific amino acids to the ribosome during translation.
The initiator tRNA is a specialized transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule that is responsible for starting the process of protein synthesis, or translation, in cells. It carries the amino acid methionine and binds to the start codon (AUG) on the mRNA molecule, marking the beginning of the polypeptide chain.
Transfer RNA (tRNA): Transfer RNAs are small RNA molecules that transport specific amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis, where they match the codons on the mRNA to add the corresponding amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain.
Codon: A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides on the mRNA molecule that specifies a particular amino acid to be incorporated into the polypeptide chain during translation.
Start Codon: The start codon, AUG, is the first codon on the mRNA molecule that signals the ribosome to begin translation and is recognized by the initiator tRNA.
A start codon is a specific sequence of nucleotides in mRNA that signals the beginning of protein synthesis. The most common start codon is AUG, which codes for the amino acid methionine.
mRNA: Messenger RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
Ribosome: A molecular machine that facilitates the linking of amino acids during protein synthesis.
tRNA: Transfer RNA that brings amino acids to the ribosome corresponding to each codon's instructions during translation.
Ribosomes are molecular machines within cells that facilitate the translation of mRNA into proteins. They consist of rRNA and proteins, forming two subunits that join during protein synthesis.
mRNA: Messenger RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
tRNA: Transfer RNA that brings amino acids to ribosomes during translation.
Polypeptide Chain: A sequence of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds, formed as a result of translation at the ribosome.
tRNA (transfer RNA) is a type of RNA molecule that helps decode mRNA sequences into proteins. It carries specific amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
mRNA: Messenger RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.
ribosome: A molecular machine that facilitates the translation of mRNA into proteins.
aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase: An enzyme that attaches the correct amino acid to its corresponding tRNA.
A polypeptide is a long, linear chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. It is the basic structural unit of proteins, which are essential macromolecules that perform a wide variety of functions in living organisms.
Amino Acid: The basic building blocks of proteins, consisting of a central carbon atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain that varies between different amino acids.
Peptide Bond: A covalent chemical bond formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another, linking the amino acids together in a polypeptide chain.
Protein: Large, complex molecules composed of one or more polypeptide chains that play crucial roles in the structure and function of cells and organisms.
A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid or a termination signal during protein synthesis. It is the basic unit of the genetic code.
Anticodon: A sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA complementary to an mRNA codon.
mRNA: Messenger RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.
Ribosome: Cellular machinery that facilitates the translation of mRNA into proteins.
GTP, or Guanosine-5'-triphosphate, is a high-energy nucleotide that plays crucial roles in both the catabolism of carbohydrates and the process of protein synthesis. As a key participant in various cellular processes, GTP serves as an essential energy currency and signaling molecule within the cell.
GDP: Guanosine-5'-diphosphate, a lower-energy nucleotide that is formed when GTP is hydrolyzed, releasing energy for cellular processes.
Guanine: One of the four nitrogenous bases found in nucleic acids, which is the 'G' in GTP and GDP.
Phosphorylation: The process of adding a phosphate group to a molecule, which can activate or deactivate it, and is essential for the interconversion of GTP and GDP.
A stop codon is a nucleotide triplet within mRNA that signals the termination of translation. It instructs the ribosome to release the newly synthesized polypeptide chain.
Start Codon: The nucleotide triplet (AUG) that signals the initiation of translation.
mRNA: Messenger RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.
Ribosome: The molecular machine that facilitates protein synthesis by translating mRNA into polypeptides.
The 5' cap is a modified guanine nucleotide added to the 5' end of a mature eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. It plays a crucial role in the structure and function of RNA, as well as in the process of protein synthesis (translation).
Transcription: The process of synthesizing a complementary RNA molecule from a DNA template, which produces the primary transcript or pre-mRNA.
Splicing: The process of removing non-coding intron sequences from the pre-mRNA and joining the coding exon sequences to form the mature mRNA molecule.
Translation: The process of synthesizing a polypeptide chain from the information encoded in the mRNA molecule, which is carried out by the ribosome.
The poly-A tail is a sequence of adenine (A) nucleotides added to the 3' end of a mature messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. It plays a crucial role in the stability, translation, and export of mRNA during the process of protein synthesis.
Messenger RNA (mRNA): Messenger RNA is a single-stranded RNA molecule that carries genetic information from the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis.
Transcription: The process of creating a complementary RNA copy of a DNA sequence, which is the first step in gene expression.
Translation: The process of synthesizing a protein from the information encoded in a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule, which occurs at the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a template. It involves decoding the genetic information contained in mRNA to produce a specific polypeptide chain.
mRNA: Messenger RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
tRNA: Transfer RNA that brings amino acids to ribosomes during translation.
Ribosome: Molecular machine made up of rRNA and proteins where translation takes place.
Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a template. It involves decoding the genetic information contained in mRNA to produce a specific polypeptide chain.
mRNA: Messenger RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
tRNA: Transfer RNA that brings amino acids to ribosomes during translation.
Ribosome: Molecular machine made up of rRNA and proteins where translation takes place.
The A site, also known as the aminoacyl site, is a specific location on the ribosome where the incoming aminoacyl-tRNA (charged tRNA) binds during the process of protein synthesis, or translation. The A site is one of the three tRNA binding sites on the ribosome, along with the P site and the E site.
P site: The P site, or peptidyl site, is the location on the ribosome where the tRNA carrying the growing polypeptide chain is bound during protein synthesis.
E site: The E site, or exit site, is the location on the ribosome where the deacylated tRNA (tRNA without an amino acid) exits the ribosome after its amino acid has been transferred to the growing polypeptide chain.
Aminoacyl-tRNA: Aminoacyl-tRNA is a tRNA molecule that has been charged with an amino acid, ready to be incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain during translation.
The P site, or peptidyl site, is a specific location on the ribosome where the growing polypeptide chain is attached during the process of protein synthesis (translation). It is one of the three key sites on the ribosome that play a crucial role in the translation of mRNA into a functional protein.
Ribosome: The cellular organelle responsible for the synthesis of proteins, consisting of a large and a small subunit.
Aminoacyl-tRNA: A transfer RNA molecule that has an amino acid attached to its 3' end, ready to be incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain.
Peptidyl Transferase: The enzymatic activity of the ribosome that catalyzes the formation of the peptide bond between the amino acid on the tRNA in the A site and the growing polypeptide chain in the P site.
The E site, or exit site, is a specific region on the ribosome where the deacylated transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule exits the ribosome after it has delivered its amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain during protein synthesis.
Ribosome: The cellular organelle responsible for the synthesis of proteins, composed of a large and a small subunit.
tRNA: Transfer RNA, the adaptor molecule that carries specific amino acids to the ribosome for incorporation into the polypeptide chain.
Polypeptide Chain: The linear sequence of amino acids that will fold into a functional protein.
An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides in transfer RNA (tRNA) that pairs with a complementary codon in messenger RNA (mRNA) during protein synthesis. It ensures the correct amino acid is incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain.
codon: A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid or termination signal during translation.
tRNA: Transfer RNA; a type of RNA molecule that helps decode mRNA sequences into proteins by carrying amino acids to the ribosome.
ribosome: A molecular machine found within all living cells that performs biological protein synthesis (translation).