INFORMATION FLOW Flashcards
(18 cards)
How does genetic information flow from DNA to protein?
Genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein through the processes of transcription and translation.
What is the central dogma of molecular biology?
The central dogma of molecular biology states that genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein.
How can DNA be replicated and inherited?
DNA can be replicated through the process of DNA replication, where the DNA molecule unwinds and each strand serves as a template for the formation of a new complementary strand.
What is the structure of a DNA nucleotide?
A DNA nucleotide consists of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine).
What is the structure of an RNA nucleotide?
An RNA nucleotide consists of a ribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, uracil, cytosine, or guanine).
How do complementary base pairs differ in DNA and RNA?
In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine (A-T) and cytosine pairs with guanine (C-G). In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil (A-U) and cytosine pairs with guanine (C-G).
What are the similarities between replication and transcription?
Both processes use complementary base pairing, involve a template strand of DNA, add nucleotides to a growing chain, and occur inside the nucleus.
What are the differences between DNA replication and RNA transcription?
DNA replication produces a DNA molecule, while RNA transcription produces an RNA molecule. DNA replication involves DNA polymerase, while transcription involves RNA polymerase. Replication products remain paired with the template, while transcription products detach from the template.
What roles do DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase play in these processes?
DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands during replication, while RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA strands during transcription.
What happens during the initiation stage of transcription?
During initiation, RNA polymerase binds to the promoter sequence of a gene, initiating the transcription process.
What occurs during elongation in transcription?
During elongation, the RNA strand grows longer and peels away from the DNA template, while the separated DNA strands rejoin.
How does transcription terminate?
Transcription terminates when RNA polymerase reaches a terminator sequence, signaling the end of the gene. The polymerase detaches from the RNA and DNA, and the DNA strands rejoin.
How is RNA translated into protein?
RNA is translated into protein through the process of translation, where ribosomes read the mRNA sequence and tRNAs bring the corresponding amino acids to form a polypeptide chain.
What is the function of ribosomes in protein synthesis?
Ribosomes facilitate the translation process by reading the mRNA sequence and assembling amino acids into a polypeptide chain.
What roles do tRNA and codons play in translation?
tRNA molecules carry specific amino acids to the ribosome, where their anticodons pair with the corresponding codons on the mRNA, ensuring the correct sequence of amino acids.
What are the basic building blocks of proteins?
Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins.
How do amino acids form peptide chains?
Amino acids form peptide chains through a polymerization reaction, where the carboxyl group of one amino acid bonds with the amino group of another, releasing a water molecule.
How does the genetic code influence protein synthesis?
The genetic code consists of codons, each of which specifies an amino acid. This code ensures that the correct sequence of amino acids is assembled during protein synthesis.
