All Flashcards
What are the key differences between the template strand and the coding strand?
Template Strand: Used by RNA polymerase to create mRNA, complementary to mRNA. Coding Strand: Has the same sequence as mRNA (except U instead of T), not directly used in transcription.
Compare and contrast transcription and translation.
Transcription: DNA to RNA, occurs in the nucleus (eukaryotes), uses RNA polymerase. Translation: RNA to protein, occurs in ribosomes.
What are the steps of mRNA processing in eukaryotes?
- Addition of a GTP cap to the 5' end. 2. Addition of a poly-A tail to the 3' end. 3. Splicing to remove introns and join exons.
What are the main steps of transcription?
- RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region of a gene. 2. DNA unwinds. 3. RNA polymerase synthesizes a complementary RNA strand.
What is mRNA?
Messenger RNA; carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.
What is tRNA?
Transfer RNA; brings specific amino acids to the ribosome during translation.
What is rRNA?
Ribosomal RNA; forms the structural and functional core of ribosomes.
Define transcription.
The process by which DNA is transcribed into mRNA.
Define translation.
The process by which mRNA is translated into a protein.
What is RNA polymerase?
Enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.