genes and protein synthesis Flashcards
(22 cards)
what is a gene
a sequence of DNA nucleotides that codes for a polypeptide
what is the primary structure of a protein
the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide
what determines the order of amino acids in a protein
the order of nucleotide bases in a gene
how many bases in a gene is coded for an amino acid
three (triplet)
where are DNA molecules found
nucleus of the cell
what organelle makes proteins
ribosomes
where are ribosomes located
cytoplasm
what does mRNA stand for
messenger RNA
where is mRNA made
nucleus
what are three adjacent bases in mRNA called
codon
what is the function of mRNA
carries the genetic code from the DNA in the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it is used to make a protein during translation
what does tRNA stand for
transfer RNA
where is tRNA found
cytoplasm
what is the structure of tRNA
has an amino acid binding site on one end and a sequence of three bases at the other end called an anticodon
what is the function of tRNA
carries amino acids that are used to make proteins to the ribosomes during translation
what does rRNA stand for
ribosomal RNA
what is rRNA
forms the two subunits in a ribosome
what is the function of rRNA
the ribosomes move along the mRNA strand during protein synthesis, the rRNA in the ribosome helps catalyse the formation of a peptide bond between two amino acids
what is the genetic code
the sequence of base triplets in DNA or RNA which codes for specific amino acids
how is the genetic code degenerate
different base sequences can code for the same amino acid
how is the genetic code non-overlapping
each base triplet is read in a sequence separate from that before and after it
how is the genetic code universal
the same specific base sequences code for the same amino acids in all living things
