DNA Transcription and Translation

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following post-transcriptional modifications does not directly contribute to increasing mRNA stability?

  • 3' polyadenylation
  • 5' capping with a modified guanine nucleotide
  • Methylation of specific nucleotide bases within the mRNA sequence (correct)
  • Splicing to remove introns

In prokaryotic cells, the lack of a nuclear envelope allows for the spatial separation of transcription and translation, leading to a more regulated gene expression environment compared to eukaryotes.

False (B)

Describe how alternative splicing can lead to proteomic diversity, and provide an example of a specific protein family where alternative splicing plays a crucial role.

Alternative splicing allows a single gene to code for multiple protein isoforms by selectively including or excluding different exons during mRNA processing. The immunoglobulin family is a good example, where alternative splicing generates diverse antibody variants.

The phenomenon where multiple codons can encode the same amino acid is known as codon __________, providing a buffer against mutations in the third nucleotide position.

<p>degeneracy</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each regulatory mechanism with its primary mode of action in controlling gene expression:

<p>DNA Methylation = Epigenetic modification that typically represses gene transcription Histone Acetylation = Modification of histone proteins that generally promotes gene transcription Small Interfering RNAs (siRNAs) = RNA molecules that induce degradation of specific mRNA transcripts Transcription Factors = Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to enhance or repress transcription</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following events would likely lead to the least amount of change in the resulting protein sequence?

<p>A silent mutation in the third position of a codon (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During translation, the Shine-Dalgarno sequence in eukaryotes facilitates the direct binding of tRNA to the mRNA, initiating protein synthesis.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of chaperones in post-translational modification and how they influence protein folding and function.

<p>Chaperones assist in the proper folding of proteins by preventing aggregation and guiding them along the correct folding pathway. They ensure proteins achieve their functional three-dimensional structure, which is crucial for their activity and stability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

__________ is a post-translational modification involving the addition of a ubiquitin molecule to a protein, often signaling it for degradation by the proteasome.

<p>Ubiquitination</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each type of RNA with its specific function in protein synthesis:

<p>mRNA = Carries genetic code from DNA to ribosomes tRNA = Transports amino acids to the ribosome for protein assembly rRNA = Forms the structural and catalytic core of the ribosome snRNA = Processes pre-mRNA in the nucleus (spliceosome)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regulatory elements is most directly involved in initiating transcription in eukaryotes?

<p>Promoter Sequence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In eukaryotes, transcription factors only function to increase the rate of transcription, and there are no factors that can actively repress gene expression.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the process of RNA editing and its potential impact on the protein product.

<p>RNA editing involves altering the nucleotide sequence of an RNA molecule after transcription but before translation. This can change the codon, leading to the incorporation of a different amino acid or creating a stop codon, thereby changing the protein product.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process of __________ allows a single gene to code for multiple proteins by including different combinations of exons in the final mRNA product.

<p>alternative splicing</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each post-translational modification with its typical effect on protein function:

<p>Phosphorylation = Can activate or deactivate a protein by changing its shape or binding affinity Glycosylation = Helps with protein folding, stability, and cell-cell recognition Ubiquitination = Marks proteins for degradation or alters their function Acetylation = Modifies histone proteins to regulate gene expression</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following steps in gene expression is not a common target for regulatory control?

<p>DNA Replication (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The genetic code is universal, meaning that all organisms use the exact same codons to specify the same amino acids.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression, including the mechanisms by which they interact with mRNA molecules.

<p>MicroRNAs regulate gene expression by binding to complementary sequences on mRNA molecules, typically in the 3' untranslated region (UTR). This binding can lead to mRNA degradation or translational repression, reducing protein production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

__________ are DNA sequences that enhance transcription by binding transcription factors and can be located far upstream or downstream from the gene they regulate.

<p>Enhancers</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each type of post-transcriptional modification with its primary function:

<p>5' Capping = Protects mRNA from degradation and enhances translation initiation Splicing = Removes introns to create a continuous coding sequence Polyadenylation = Increases mRNA stability and promotes export from the nucleus RNA Editing = Alters the nucleotide sequence of mRNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

During translation, what role does the release factor play?

<p>It recognizes the stop codon and terminates translation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In eukaryotic cells, all mRNA molecules have the same lifespan, ensuring uniform levels of gene expression.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how phosphorylation can affect protein function and provide examples of cellular processes regulated by protein phosphorylation.

<p>Phosphorylation can alter protein function by changing its conformation, binding affinity, or enzymatic activity. It regulates diverse cellular processes such as signal transduction, cell cycle progression, and metabolism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The __________ complex is responsible for removing introns from pre-mRNA in eukaryotic cells.

<p>spliceosome</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each component of the ribosome with its primary function:

<p>Large Subunit = Catalyzes peptide bond formation Small Subunit = Binds mRNA and tRNA A Site = Accepts incoming tRNA molecules P Site = Holds the tRNA with the growing polypeptide chain</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a function of the 5' cap on eukaryotic mRNA?

<p>Serving as a template for reverse transcription (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Prokaryotic mRNAs typically contain introns that must be removed by splicing before translation can occur.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the Kozak sequence in eukaryotic translation initiation.

<p>The Kozak sequence is a consensus sequence that helps the ribosome identify the start codon (AUG) in eukaryotic mRNA. It ensures efficient and accurate initiation of translation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

__________ are proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences to either enhance or repress transcription of a gene.

<p>Transcription factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each post-translational modification with the amino acid residue it typically modifies:

<p>Phosphorylation = Serine, Threonine, or Tyrosine Glycosylation = Asparagine or Serine Ubiquitination = Lysine Acetylation = Lysine</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mechanisms does not directly regulate the amount of protein produced from a given mRNA molecule?

<p>The rate of transcription termination (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The wobble hypothesis explains how a single tRNA molecule can recognize multiple codons that differ only in their first nucleotide.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of the proteasome in regulating protein levels within the cell.

<p>The proteasome is a protein complex that degrades unwanted or damaged proteins. By selectively degrading proteins marked for destruction (often via ubiquitination), it helps regulate protein levels and maintain cellular homeostasis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

__________ are non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to mRNA and either promoting its degradation or blocking translation.

<p>MicroRNAs (miRNAs)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each component with its function in eukaryotic transcription:

<p>RNA Polymerase II = Transcribes mRNA TATA Box = A DNA sequence in the promoter region that helps position RNA polymerase Enhancers = DNA sequences that bind transcription factors to increase transcription Transcription Factors = Proteins that bind to DNA and regulate the activity of RNA polymerase</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following post-translational modifications is most likely to target a protein for degradation?

<p>Ubiquitination (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The rate of transcription is constant for all genes within a cell, ensuring equal expression levels.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of the signal recognition particle (SRP) in protein targeting.

<p>The signal recognition particle (SRP) binds to the signal peptide of a growing polypeptide chain and targets it to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, where translation can continue and the protein can be inserted into or across the ER membrane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Transcription

Synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.

RNA Polymerase

Enzyme that binds to DNA and creates a complementary RNA strand.

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

Carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes.

Codons

Sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that specify amino acids.

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Translation

Synthesis of a protein from an mRNA template.

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Ribosomes

Molecular machines composed of rRNA and proteins where translation occurs.

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tRNA (Transfer RNA)

Molecules that bring the correct amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

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Gene Expression Regulation

Ensures proteins are produced at the correct time and amount.

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Transcription Factors

Proteins that bind to DNA to enhance or repress transcription.

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Ribosome Function

Facilitates interaction between mRNA and tRNA and catalyzes peptide bond formation.

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mRNA

Carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

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tRNA

Brings correct amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

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rRNA

Component of ribosomes that catalyzes peptide bond formation.

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Prokaryotic Transcription

Transcription occurs in the cytoplasm.

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Eukaryotic Transcription

Transcription occurs in the nucleus.

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Coupled Transcription and Translation

Translation begins before transcription is complete.

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Eukaryotic RNA Modification

RNA undergoes post-transcriptional modifications.

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Capping

Addition of modified guanine to the 5' end of pre-mRNA.

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Splicing

Removal of non-coding introns from the pre-mRNA.

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Polyadenylation

Addition of a poly(A) tail to the 3' end of the mRNA.

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Post-Transcriptional Modification Benefits

Enhances mRNA stability, facilitates export, and increases translational efficiency.

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Genetic Code

Set of rules translating genetic material into proteins.

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Codon

Three-nucleotide sequence specifying an amino acid or stop signal.

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Degenerate Genetic Code

Multiple codons specify the same amino acid.

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Post-Translational Modifications

Chemical changes to a protein after translation.

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Effects of Post-Translational Modifications

Can affect protein folding, stability, activity, and interactions.

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Phosphorylation

Addition of a phosphate group.

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Glycosylation

Addition of a sugar group.

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Ubiquitination

Addition of ubiquitin.

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Study Notes

  • DNA transcription and translation are fundamental processes in gene expression, by which genetic information encoded in DNA is used to synthesize functional gene products, such as proteins.

Process of Transcription

  • Transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.
  • RNA polymerase binds to DNA and uses a single strand of DNA as a template to create a complementary RNA strand.
  • The resulting RNA molecule carries the genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes, where translation occurs.

Role of mRNA

  • Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
  • mRNA serves as the template for protein synthesis during translation.
  • Codons, which are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA, specify which amino acid will be added to the growing polypeptide chain.

Translation Mechanisms

  • Translation is the process of synthesizing a protein from an mRNA template.
  • It takes place on ribosomes, which are complex molecular machines composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins.
  • Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring the correct amino acids to the ribosome, matching them to the codons in the mRNA.

Gene Expression Regulation

  • Gene expression is tightly regulated to ensure that the correct proteins are produced at the right time and in the right amount.
  • Regulation can occur at various stages, including transcription, RNA processing, translation, and post-translational modification.
  • Regulatory proteins, such as transcription factors, bind to DNA and either enhance or repress transcription.

Ribosome Function

  • Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.
  • They facilitate the interaction between mRNA and tRNA.
  • Ribosomes catalyze the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids, growing the polypeptide chain.

Types of RNA

  • mRNA carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.
  • tRNA brings the correct amino acids to the ribosome during translation.
  • rRNA is a component of ribosomes and plays a role in catalyzing peptide bond formation.

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Transcription

  • Prokaryotic transcription occurs in the cytoplasm, while eukaryotic transcription occurs in the nucleus.
  • Prokaryotic transcription and translation are coupled, meaning that translation can begin before transcription is complete.
  • Eukaryotic RNA undergoes post-transcriptional modifications before translation.

Post-Transcriptional Modifications

  • Post-transcriptional modifications include:
    • Capping (addition of a modified guanine nucleotide to the 5' end of the pre-mRNA).
    • Splicing (removal of non-coding introns from the pre-mRNA).
    • Polyadenylation (addition of a poly(A) tail to the 3' end of the mRNA).
  • These modifications enhance mRNA stability, facilitate its export from the nucleus, and increase its translational efficiency.

Genetic Code

  • The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or RNA) is translated into proteins by living cells.
  • Each codon (three-nucleotide sequence) specifies a particular amino acid or a stop signal.
  • The genetic code is degenerate, meaning that multiple codons can specify the same amino acid.

Post-Translational Modifications

  • Post-translational modifications are chemical changes that occur to a protein after it has been translated.
  • These modifications can affect protein folding, stability, activity, and interactions with other molecules.
  • Examples of post-translational modifications include:
    • Phosphorylation.
    • Glycosylation.
    • Ubiquitination.

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