Gene Expression Overview

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is a molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses.

A protein is a large biomolecule, or macromolecule, consisting of one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within living organisms, including catalyzing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, responding to stimuli, and transporting molecules across cell membranes.

A nucleotide is the basic building block of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). It is made up of three parts: a phosphate group, a sugar (deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA), and a nitrogenous base

DNA and RNA are nucleic acids, which are long polymers composed of nucleotide monomers.

RNA is a nucleic acid that is similar to DNA, but has a few key differences.

RNA stands for Ribonucleic acid. It is a nucleic acid that is very similar in structure and function to DNA but is a single-stranded molecule instead of a double-stranded molecule. RNA uses the sugar ribose instead of deoxyribose in DNA. RNA also uses the base uracil (U) instead of thymine (T) in DNA.

The process by which the genetic code in DNA is copied into RNA.

The process by which the genetic code in mRNA is used to create a protein.

The process by which a single-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides that code for a specific amino acid during protein synthesis.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where proteins are made.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a type of RNA that is a structural component of ribosomes. Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis in cells.

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a type of RNA that transfers amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis.

The process by which DNA is tightly coiled around proteins called histones, forming a condensed structure called chromatin.

Gene expression refers to the process by which genetic information encoded in DNA is used to synthesize functional gene products, such as proteins.

A point mutation is a change in a single nucleotide within a DNA sequence. Point mutations can lead to changes in the amino acid sequence of a protein, which can have a range of effects on its function. Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease caused by a single point mutation.

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the beta-globin gene. This mutation causes the red blood cells to become sickle-shaped, which can block blood vessels and cause pain and tissue damage.

A missense mutation is a point mutation that results in the replacement of one amino acid with another.

Transcriptional control refers to the regulation of gene expression at the level of transcription, which is the process of copying DNA into RNA.

RNA polymerase is an enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

The initiation stage of transcription is the first step in the process, where RNA polymerase binds to the DNA template and begins to unwind the DNA helix.

The elongation stage of transcription is the second step in the process, where RNA polymerase moves along the DNA template and adds nucleotides to the growing RNA molecule.

The termination stage of transcription is the final step in the process, where RNA polymerase reaches the end of the gene and releases the newly synthesized RNA molecule.

Histones are proteins that help to package DNA into a compact structure called chromatin.

Chromatin is a complex of DNA and proteins that makes up chromosomes in eukaryotic cells.

Chromosomes are thread-like structures located inside the nucleus of animal and plant cells.

A large biomolecule made up of one or more chains of amino acids, essential for various functions in living organisms

The process of converting genetic information from DNA into RNA.

The basic structural unit of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), composed of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base

Type of RNA that transfers amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis.

A type of RNA responsible for carrying the genetic information from DNA to ribosomes.